Confidence at Camp

     It's been over a month since my last post...bad Mommy!  The good news is the kids are enjoying their summer.  I think in the month of June my oldest son, Marques, was never home on a Saturday.  That was a big deal to him and proudly noted since my children usually complain they don't do anything all summer.  Of course that's not true! Each year we try to go away for at least 3 days, but their memory of it gets lost in the long summer.  

     This summer though has been full of new experiences.  Marques went to camp for the first time.  He didn't want to go, but under pressure by me he went.  Thank goodness, he loved it and was already talking about going back when I picked him up.  I tell you, he was only gone 6 days, but it felt longer.  This was the first time I was apart from him for so long....  The best part is I didn't have to worry if he was taking his factor, because he was at a bleeding disorder camp.  Last year I was not ready to let him go, I now regret that because gaining his independence from me is something we both needed.

     Before Marques went to camp, he did everything to prepare for "Factor Time" but didn't want to stick himself with the needle.  One time, I thought he was going to hyperventilate as he dangled the needle over the back of his hand scared to stick himself.  I could feel myself getting frustrated because I stick him 3x a week, so, “you know what it's going to feel like!”  For the life of me, I could not understand the hesitation.  I stayed as calm as I could and kept trying to encourage him.  Eventually, he stopped hyperventilating, but still did not have the confidence that he was going be successful in getting a flush back the first time.  

     Well fast forward to now, after Camp Burnt Gin bleeding disorder week, he's a Pro.  Somehow, at camp he gained confidence.  I asked him if the Nurse helped him, he said, "No, I just did it myself".  One thing I know about my son, he doesn't like anyone else to stick him except for me..even when we go get his blood work done I stick him for the Nurse.  So, I guess it was good I was removed from the situation and he had to depend on himself.  He also told me how he was encouraging another Camper to learn how to give himself factor and holding his hand!

Marques first self-infusion after Camp Burnt Gin Bleeding Disorder Week

     I have continued to remove myself from the room while he does his factor.  It's been a month and I am still impressed how he has taken over his treatments.  It’s amazing how much kids mature and grow over the summer.  I guess I need to start calling him a Prophyholic!