A Little Humor...

I really can't go on without sharing the funny side effect of steroids...hunger.

It began about Naomi's birthday. Charlotte would begin to list what she wanted to eat at the next meal while she was still eating her current meal. The nurses warned us that some children wake their parents at 2am, wanting to eat. More than a few suggested we pack a snack next to the bed. Charlotte returned home excited to pack a snack at her bedside. She chose a granola bar and fruit snacks. The next morning, she mournfully says to me, "I did not wake up to eat my snack!"

Most of the hunger/cravings seemed to be in her head. Once presented with the food, she would eat a few bites and then she would stop and rest. Monday, we had a few neighbors stop by with treats and presents for Charlotte. As she munched on a Rice Krispy Treat, she looks me in the eye and says, "You want to know why I was sad when I looked at the present, mom?"

"Why were you sad?"

"Because I was hoping that somebody was going to bring me meat."

"Meat!?!"

"Yes" huge sigh and big doe eyes "I really want a Big Mac."

"A Big Mac?"

"or a taco... from Del Taco"

Charlotte's been on a fast food ban. The dietician stressed that while her immune system is low, fast food and eating out should be avoided. By Charlotte's reaction, you would think she hadn't been fed in years. Where she had just had a portion of chili and spaghetti.

The next morning, she caught me getting ready for work around 5:45am. She wanted to order breakfast. "I would like 5 pieces of bacon and a toaster waffle, mom." I told her I would give her 3 pieces of bacon. I came out from putting on my jewelry and grabbing my purse to go, and she informed me I overcooked the bacon, making it too crunchy. I did notice that it had not stopped her from finishing 2.5 slices of bacon.

This morning was the first 2am hunger call. The granola bar still sat on her bedside table, but Charlotte decided she didn't want that. "Mom, I want the ham or turkey that goes on sandwiches, but not a sandwich."

"You mean cold cuts?"

"Yes, and I want a toaster waffle."

"Charly, you ate the last toaster waffle yesterday. There's more in the garage, but don't make me go out there. Can I get you something else?" "Yes, you don't have to go in the cold garage right now. I want Triscuits with cream cheese on top...and a piece of toast... and don't forget the ham."

Charlotte gets her snack, and starts heading to my room to watch cartoons while she ate. I told her no way and took her back in her room, and stayed with her while she ate and talked about what she wanted to eat next. "Mom, can you find out if I can get a Costco Chicken? You know that chicken and broccoli casserole you make, that is my favorite." I promised to try and remember to call the dietician and see if Costco chicken was risky, and when she was finished, tucked her back in and kissed her forehead. As I left, she whispered, "mom, just one more thing I got to tell you" "What's that?" "Tomorrow, after dinner, I want brownies."