Unwelcomed Surprises: A Week in the Life of a Mom

This week has been another whirlwind of unexpected events for our family. It started with Alycia’s unplanned visit to SJMC to see her hand and microsurgery doctor. She had developed a cluster of blisters on her post-operated finger, though thankfully, they weren’t on the operated part of her finger but rather on the lower part. After examining the finger, the doctor referred her to a dermatologist, who reassured her that the issue wasn’t serious. She was prescribed a topical cream, and the cost of the bill was RM203, which, unfortunately, isn’t claimable from insurance.

Just when I thought we could put Alycia’s finger issue behind us, Sherilyn had a sudden allergic reaction after eating prawns. Sherilyn’s strange allergy to prawns has always puzzled us. Most of the time, she’s perfectly fine after eating them, but once in a while, she develops hives, as she did this week. We suspect she’s allergic to the chemicals used in certain prawns, as this reaction doesn’t always happen. 

That night, her dad had to rush her to the Accident & Emergency department at our neighborhood hospital, past midnight, to get anti-allergy medication and steroids intravenously. She now has to take oral steroids for a week, but being the resilient girl she is, Sherilyn went right back to university the next day.

Last year Sherilyn was warded in the same hospital for a night to treat a severe allergy after eating prawns.  After the latest hives incident, I told Sherilyn that she should steer clear of eating prawns to avoid another unwanted allergy flareup.

Reflecting on this year, it seems like life has been filled with one unwelcome surprise after another. From Alycia’s freak kitchen accident in June to these health scares, it feels like we’ve been on a rollercoaster. Yet, I’m grateful that nothing major has happened—aside from Alycia’s accident, which we’ve slowly overcome.

As the year draws to a close, I’m hopeful for smoother, more peaceful days ahead. The unpredictability of life has tested us, but it’s also made us stronger. 

Mutton rendang, mixed veggies, and Ayam Masak Merah from Catermate for our lunch and dinner on one of the days earlier this week.

Thai fish cakes and mutton rendang.

Nasi Minyak with fried shallots.