Day 172

     The whole layout of the blog changed a couple of weeks ago - which was a total surprise to me.  I have checked (or at least I thought I checked), in the past week and a half, I couldn't tell anyone had commented.  It has been a "quiet" blog (or so I thought).  THANK YOU for your comments!  They are a source of strength and encouragement to me.  I am grateful to you! 
     On Thursday, Dr. Dana told us the hard part this week, would be deciding when to bring Katie in for her blood transfusion.  Dr. Dana said not to bring her in just because she is pale or weak, because that could be because her ANC (immune system) has dropped lower.  She told us to judge it mostly by her irritability.  --Only problem with that, is that Katie is such a happy girl, I don't know that even an extra low blood count will make her irritable!  So, it is going to be "hard" deciding exactly what day to bring her in.  Katie's appointment is for Thursday, but Dr. Dana felt pretty sure she would need to come in for the transfusion before then.  I think I will let Scott decide when it is time! =)
     We learned something else last Thursday, we are not supposed to use a humidifier in Katie's room - which we had been doing, because of Katie's bad cough.  Humidifiers can put out mold and fungus in the air, and because of Katie's low immune system, that could be very dangerous for her.  We have to avoid anything that can possibly have any mold or fungus, as much as possible (things like playing in the dirt/sand, some fresh fruits & veggies, etc).  If Katie were to get a mold or fungus in her system, she wouldn't have the immune system to fight it - and that could kill her.  So...okay, no more humidifier! 
     Katie is an energizer bunny.  She just keeps going.  In addition to being blessed, I honestly think she is so used to feeling bad, that she has just adjusted to that as her "norm", and she keeps going and doing in spite of it!  We are glad for all the tender mercies and blessings Katie has received.
     Russell M. Ballard said: "Everyone loses their way at some point, to some degree.  It is through the promptings of the Holy Ghost that we can be brought safely back onto the right path; and it is the Atoning sacrifice of the Savior that can return us home" (April 2012 General Conference, Sunday afternoon).