Day 430

     We were told the IGG infusion Katie got yesterday would make her feel sick... I said, "She already feels sick!"  The nurse said, "Yes, well, this will make her feel even more sick (for possibly up to 2 weeks) with flu like symptoms - headache, nausea, body aches."  Plus Katie is on her round of steroids right now... So, let the "fun" begin!  Plus she got the heavier dose of chemo this time.  Our poor sweet baby girl!...
    Katie is a trooper though!  Although, yesterday almost did her positive attitude in!  She was NOT happy about going to the doctor, 2 days in a row, for pokes and IV's!  (And the nurse had to poke her twice, because the first vein blew out).  Katie cried the entire way to the hospital, she cried in the waiting room, she cried (and screamed) while getting her IV put in and every time they put a new medication in the IV.  And she was crying when we left (because it hurts when they take out the IV).  However, soon after getting into the car, Katie flashed me two of her sweet sweet smiles, before drifting off to sleep.  She is sweet and she is strong!
     Katie has been through so much.  These past few months have been especially rough.  In October she had that crazy bought with the Hand, Foot, Mouth virus for a month - which was terrible, and landed her in the hospital for a couple of days and stopped her chemo for two weeks.  Then last month she got a Rhino virus which turned into pneumonia - which put her in the hospital for a week, and on antibiotics for another week.  She got a yeast infection from all of those antibiotics, and is currently on an anti-fungal medication.  And now she has RSV - another virus.  Katie is doing okay, but she is weak and...sick.  This all started shortly after we entered "Maintenance" - when they told us this would be an "easier" time for Katie.... But, it didn't work out that way.  It has been a struggle.  However, we are hopeful that the IGG infusion she got yesterday will help.  Dr. Dana said it would also help if we moved to a private island where there were no viruses...but we don't have any hopes of that happening! =)  So, we will just hope this infusion helps her.
     The IGG infusion Katie got yesterday is derived from humans and it is very expensive.  We were told her infusion yesterday cost $10,000.  So, today we are glad for insurance!!  We were also told Katie will probably need more of these infusions - which makes us even more glad we have insurance! Please keep Katie in your prayers.
     I think I posted this quote by President Monson once before, but it is worth repeating.  "So much in life depends on our attitude.  The way we choose to see things and respond to others makes all the difference.  To do the best we can and then to choose to be happy about our circumstances, whatever they may be, can bring peace and contentment... We can't direct the wind, but we can adjust our sails.  For maximum happiness, peace, and contentment, may we choose a positive attitude." (Living the Abundant Life, Ensign, Jan 2012).