Halloween and beyond

Well, October was a long month...very long!  We made it to Duke 3 times.  Everything went really well with the updosing and we are still on track with his doses.  He hasn't had any issues with any of his doses so far, so we are very happy with that. 
We had some excitement at the start of December when I hit a deer on the interstate on my way home from Duke.  My son was in the car with me and thankfully, we were not hurt, but our car was totaled.  Boo!  So, that was a lot of time and effort getting a new vehicle and just dealing with all that stuff. 
Then we had a wedding to attend where our daughter was a flower girl.  It was very nice, but a lot of work for all involved.  She had a great time though and it was all worth it. 
The best part of the month was getting to meet another boy at Duke who has FINISHED the trial and is completely allergy-free!  I almost started crying talking to him!  He doesn't like peanut butter on a sandwich, but he does love it with chocolate!  So, he eats whatever he wants now, whenever he wants.  His mother said she couldn't even describe what it was like to now go into any restaurant without worry or pick up any food without reading the label!  Wow!  This young man was in the first trial and is now in 7th grade, so he started at a later age than my son and it took him a while.  They are hoping to show that if they get the kids at an early age like my son, that they will take to the treatment faster and their bodies will respond faster.  Thus far, it seems to be holding true...there are kids in our study ready to food challenge after just 2 years in the trial.
Then, the last time we were there, we met a young girl who was doing her first food challenge...she was doing great and they all expected her to pass with no issue.  Then she comes back a month later to do another challenge and if all goes well, she is DONE!  Her family is already planning a peanut-filled holiday season!!  We were chatting about all the restaurants they want to go to and things she wants to try.  :) 
I don't think people realize how much food allergies affect not just the child, but the whole family.  It was so nice to see these families conquer this and make their child's world a MUCH safer place!  Of course, as parents, we still worry about everything, but not having to worry about food is a very big deal! 
So, all is well and we are moving right along...now, if we can just avoid the deer from now on!  :)