End of May update

The last few days have been fairly uneventful, which is always good.  She has been swimming almost every day and  has really enjoyed that.  :)  She really enjoys our swim instructor's saltwater pool, but unfortunately for us, my husband has decided against letting us get a saltwater generator for our above ground pool.  Our pool is about five years old & he is concerned about the corrosive effect of the saltwater on the already starting to rust metal supports, as well as the possible adverse effects to our grass & shrubbery, trees, etc. as well as our neighbors'.



Yesterday we went to Target and bought Katie some leggings to wear under skirts & shorts if she wants.  She says they are very comfortable.  I am ordering some similar long-sleeved shirts for her to wear as well.  It's pretty hot, but she may like these for sleeping & wearing around the house.  They are also fairly thin.



Last night she slept on the green armchair in the living room & plans to do so again tonight.  Last night, she actually did it because I fell asleep on the couch and was too tired to move.  I told her she was welcome to sleep in my bed, but found her on the chair in the middle of the night instead.  She was very sweet & told me that she didn't want to take up my bed in case I woke up in the night & decided to go back to my own bed.  She does seem to be sleeping somewhat better. 
Please meet sick bear, ducky & kitty. They have been Katie's bedtime companions for years & I am not sure what she would do without them!


Katie's bright idea to put her sheet on the green chair. Please excuse the mess in the background as we all enjoyed a lazy day today.


Katie is about 3 & 1/2 weeks into TSW now.  The skin on her face is pretty dry & flaky today.  She has been picking around her lips & forehead again unfortunately.  :(  I have a picture but she doesn't want me to share it, so I won't. 

We got in our beeswax pellets & soon we will spend a day working on some homemade creams & moisturizing sprays, etc., but it will have to be in another week after their dance recital, which is Saturday, June 7th.  Please pray for healing before then, especially on her face, neck & arms.  Here is a picture of her & her sister in their recital costumes.  They actually have 3 costumes, so they chose their favorites for this picture.


Katie says she has been feeling pretty good today, maybe around a 6 or 7 on the scale with 10 being the best & 1 being the worst. She really likes the socks on her arms & legs as they really help as they help and make it harder for her to scratch.  She does find sometimes when her skin is more moist, it is easier to damage it when she scratches it, so we are trying not to put too much moisture on it.  Also, other TSW-sufferers have said that sometimes applying moisturizers makes their skin redder & itchier.  This journey really is a lot of trial & error though as everyone's skin is different, and everyone has different things that help or hinder their recovery.

She is still enjoying the lemongrass balm we got from Stephanie's shop.  The lemongrass balm smells heavenly!

https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheHomeApothecary?section_id=14996765

Today was the first day in at least a month that I haven't had to go to work or anywhere else.  I confess that we stayed in our PJ's all day and are not ashamed of it.  I even took a nap on the couch which was wonderful!

That's about it for now.  Katie & I have had to miss church the past two Sundays due to Katie's not feeling well & our lack of sleep, so we are prayerfully hoping to make it tomorrow, especially as it is Katie's (possibly) last turn to acolyte.  :) 

To all her fellow TSW warriors out there, you have our love & prayers!