So as you can tell by the pictures, Amber and I had a great time in Medford a few weeks ago.  The wedding was fun, and visiting with family and friends was great.  Amber was a little overwhelmed by all the action.  She had a difficult time sleeping while we were there, but seems to be recovering quite well at home.

Last week, Amber's pancreatic enzymes were NORMAL for the first time in over two months! Finally! It's so nice to see her not having belly pain for a change!  Dr. Fridge wants to be cautious though, (and I agree with her totally!) and not feed Amber for another month. (as long as her enzymes STAY down.)  Amber is doing well with the TPN for now, she's maintaining her weight well and not gaining or losing significantly.  Another reason to hold off on advancing her feeds at this time is that our trip to St. Louis is coming up on Oct 25th.  It wouldn't be good if that were delayed again due to belly problems, and it would be horrible if Amber had another acute episode of pancreatitis while we're there!  It feels good to just hang tight and stay the course for now. 

Yesterday, Amber got her seasonal flu shot.  (She will be getting her H1N1 vaccine as soon as the injection form is available here!) Have you had yours?  I can assure you all that the hype and media attention surrounding the H1N1 flu is for real.  We are seeing many cases of it here in our area, and I've heard it's widespread elsewhere too.  Everyone should be getting both a seasonal and H1N1 vaccination this year!  It's not just about you....think of Amber.  Even if you are strong enough to fight off a bout of the flu, she is not.  You can carry around H1N1 and pass it to others for 24 hours before you even have symptoms!  The elderly, pregnant women, and people with altered immune function are at increased risk of death due to influenza (both kinds!).  Please be smart and get your flu shots!  Or...if you're a wimp (Amber didn't even cry for her shot), both come in a nasal mist form as well!  I'm insisting that anyone who has direct contact with Amber get both flu immunizations this year. 

That's my soapbox for the day.  I hope everyone is enjoying their October!  We are!