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It is extremely difficult to be able to make an appointment for myself and to go alone without kiddos. I have to check with hubby to make sure that he does not have a meeting with all of the jobs he has going on. I have taken child[ren] with me to appointments for myself in the past and we have managed, but it is easier if I can just go by myself. So, I had my doctor look at something on my forehead near my hairline last year and she said a non-cancerous cyst. Well, things upstairs have changed and I called over a month ago for a derm appointment. At the time, hubby did not have anything scheduled, but of course there was a District thing and I ended up having to bring T with me. I explained to T that this person was just going to look at my forehead and I would come back another time and have "it" removed. 

Well, she took one look at it and told me that it was not a cyst, but keratoacanthoma - benign tumors. The next thing I know, she is telling me that we are removing it that day, sending it to the lab, and I would either receive a phone call or a postcard. She told me to hope for a postcard . . . Postcard means I am fine. If I get a call, they have found something, and I have to schedule MOHs surgery. Oh crap! So, I'm sitting in a chair and T is on the exam bed. He listened as the nurse described the removal procedure and T wanted no part of it. He almost ran out the door, but I told him that he could not be out there by himself. Thankfully, he had his Minecraft hoodie with him. I told him to zip up, hoodie on, and hide his face from any needles he might see. The nurse did a great job with the numbing treatment and I'd see T turn around periodically to check things out. He did great. The nurse kept asking me how I was doing as the doctor cut away. I was fine. This was really nothing compared to what I have been through. T thinks I am so strong. I had to play a bit nonchalant while in there too because T was with me and watching.

Doctor picked up on a few things while in the exam room and I went ahead and disclosed that T has ASD. She turned to me and said,"He's going to be okay." I know that I had a bewildered look on my face. I just could not believe that someone who does not know us or our journey would be so free to comment. I certainly do not even look at typical kiddos and assume they are going to be okay in the world. I guess I should take it as a compliment, but I do not. At first glance, he is cute, blond, clean. She said that she just had a conversation with him and he did great. Yes, he is verbal NOW, but he was not at 3. She does not know all of the undesired behaviors we have had to work on along with OT, PT, and feeding. Then, she mentioned that her niece is 6 and non-verbal. Urgh. I really dislike it when people compare kiddos with ASD with each other. I mean, the spectrum is wide. I wanted to scream yes, he is doing great because we finally got a diagnosis, services, proper training, found an autism community support group, he has consistent parents, and an excellent older brother! Instead I just said, "Well, he's high-functioning." She continued to ask T a few other questions about school. He said that he did online. She asked his age and he said that he was turning 10 soon. She assumed he was going into 4th grade and he replied with 5th! The last question she asked me was, "So, do you hire tutors then to come to your home?" Ha! "No, both of his parents are certified teachers." Conversation ended. I really hope that I get that postcard!

I have a huge gash on my forehead right now and I am at the throbbing stage. My hair mostly covers it, so that is a good thing. T is having his Terraria-themed birthday party this weekend too. I am thrilled to be able to wash my hair by then. T made his own guest list and four kiddos have RSVP'd, so a group of 6 boys and their parents. Told the invites to bring their "aqua armor" as we are hoping to be able to swim, but with the rain lately, we'll have to see. Urgh, we got rained out last year on his special day too. I've got an in-home quest (scavenger hunt) planned, have lunch, open presents/play Terraria, and swim. I have extra games planned if it rains. We are going to let him open one present from us on his party day and wait for his actual day to open the rest. We have never done it this way before, so we're hoping he'll be okay with that. I have a lot to clean, hide, and prepare, but somehow it will get done. This is going to be the last big birthday party we do with guests. In the future, we're just going to make it the four of us, focus more on an experience, and maybe include like one close friend to come along. I can't believe my middle guy is turning 10!