Jesslyn is Jewel's baby sister, and she  had environmental testing, and a few foods were added, trying to find a way to increase the few things that she can eat. Her environmentals came out good, meaning "true" food allergies are her issue. You would think that less allergies would be better, but often it means that the food allergies can be worse.
Over the next few weeks they will be "challenging" the goods that came out lowest on her scale, some in Lafayette, some at home. She will soon see if she can tolerate sesame, soy (which is injected into almost all processed foods, and even some raw meats!), oats, peanuts, and coconut.
Jesslyn turned 2 years old less than a week ago. Please pray that she passes these challenges. It may seem like just a few foods, but it will broaden her food base by dozens of foods, due to having to avoid because of cross contamination.
I can't imaging being limited to 7 or 8 fruits and vegetables and one meat (turkey) and one grain (rice) for the rest of my life, and I sure don't want that for this precious baby.

Updose Day

We will be making our 3rd trip back to Dallas this week, and Jewel will "updose" to the highest level she has reached so far. This dose level is where she started reacting last time, and from where she had to back down. Her levels that indicate issues with EOE (eosinophilic esophagitis) had started to be elevated as well. She is at a place to where we believe she can overcome this stumbling block and continue the program until she "graduates" and becomes desensitized to the effects of peanuts on her body. If you are a praying person, I am asking that you say an extra prayer for Jewel and her doctors, staff and family on Friday morning. I have Faith that we are on the right track for making sure that Jewel has a safe life in the future, this is absolutely life changing. Thank you for being supportive.

OIT week one setbacks

Just a little update on Jewel's first week of OIT. We were scheduled to take her back to Dallas for her first updose this Thursday, but that appointment has been cancelled. Jewel had a little bit of itching in her mouth and some pretty bad stomach pains after her dose on Monday. Dr. Silvers had her back down to a half dose, and she has to remain at the half dose until she has 7 reaction free days. She will then go back up to her original starting dose, and hopefully continue the program with no more issues.
The doctors offer 24/7 availability, both by phone, and by e-mail, which is great. I know it helps Candi feel more secure with the process , knowing she can have answers from the specialists within minutes.
Going slower may make the process take a little longer, and may mean a few more trips to Dallas, but making sure Jewel is safe is everyones priority.
I know we are on the right path, and all of our lives will be better when Jewel's life will no longer be in constant danger.
Thank you all for your prayers and support, it means a lot!

Macadamia Nut Food Challenge

Food Challenge: Hazelnut

Hazelnut (tree nut) food challenge

Hazelnut (Tree Nut) Food Challenge