Allergic to the World

Of course with a name like that, we had to spend our last day sea side at Crystal Beach. What started off as a quite afternoon by the shore soon broke into mayhem with one word “shark”. In an instant, sleepy beach goers jumped to their feet, parents scooped their children out of the water and ran for the safety of the beach. All eyes were on the ocean tying to get a glimpse of the famous dorsal fin. People huddled together sharing information and pointing to vague areas of azure blue water. It was something straight out of a movie script. In true movie fashion there two guys who seemed oblivious to the dozens of people yelling at them to get out of the water. The dark shadow under the water twisted and turned as it made its way toward the men. It was as if everything was happening in slow motion. The men in waist deep water finally noticed the crowds on shore facing them. As one of the men strained to hear the chanting crowd, the look on his face went from confusion to sheer terror. The dark figure was headed right for him. At the last moment the shark turned slightly toward the shore and the man attempted to grab its tail. Unable to be captured, the 2-3 foot creature continued its path along the shore. It was an entertaining way to end our week at the beach.

Girlfriends

One thing I was really glad we were able to do was to see one of my very favorite girlfriends, Cheryl, and her daughter Anna. It was a highlight of the trip! Are those tiny palm trees cute, or what?

Here I am wearing my TPN backpack.

Update

• Face swelling significantly better- barely any divots under eyes but that is probably from the steroids
• No lip swelling or numbness
• No swelling in eye lids, hands or ankles
• No abdominal pain
• No joint pain
• No headaches
• No nausea
• Hair has stopped falling out
• Tried consealer make up- no itching burning or swelling. Mineral Fusion available at Sprouts
• Tried a new Lip balm- no reaction-yippee! Pacifica Natural at Target
• Going for broke… Tried a new sunscreen California Baby Super Sensitive – no reaction but I only did one arm to start with. Target again
• Able to regulate body temp better. Had to turn the A/C up to 72 because I was cold instead of 68 I normally keep it on.
• Very little redness in the face
• No sensation of my face burning or feeling on fire
• Nearly normal energy level
• Throat wide open- swelling about 90% gone
• Able to be outside all day
• No need for a mask when outside

I am thrilled with how well I feel. We were concerned that July, being the hottest month of the year, might not be very helpful for me. Those concerns are put to rest. I am so thankful for this unexpected week at the coast and even more excited to return this fall to see how much progress I will be able to make after an entire month.

Christal