Chemo & Thanks

Katelyn is doing exceptionally well with the chemo so far. The most difficult part is being hooked up to the IV tower all the time. During the day she can go to the play room and we can go on a lot of walks. Her blood counts should start to significantly decrease in the next few days. Once they get low we will schedule private play time in the play room and she'll have to wear a mask when we leave the room. That will be interesting, she won't let us put a mask on her at all. We start chemo every day at 4pm. She gets an IV push that only takes a few minutes, then they hook up another chemo drug that runs over a 4 hour period, this drug is given every 12 hours, so she gets it at 4am as well. Every other night she is hooked up to another chemo drug after that one, the second one runs during a 6 hour period. So far we haven't had any side effects and she still has a ton of energy and is very happy. She's eating well, staying hydrated, and is just an amazing child.

Todd is incredible. There's not a single drug they give her that he doesn't look up and learn about. He knows everything she is getting, the possible side effects, and has even corrected the nurses on dosages. Kate's doctor says it's impressive, but I'm guessing they find it a bit annoying. I am very thankful for his diligence and education. He teaches me a lot and is able to make sure Kate is being taken care of to the best of their ability. He questions a lot of things, and is incredibly anal about her care (which I am as well). He want's to do all her dressing changes on her Hickman (central cathetor), because he is unhappy with the way the nurses have cared for it. I am so thankful to have him here to help look after Kate and be sure that she is being taken care of adequately. It would be difficult without him. I am anal as well, and I want the best care for Katelyn, I just don't look as deeply as he does. I need to though.

Thank you to those of you who are working on different Katelyn Projects! Everyone's efforts are incredibly appreciated and I truly don't know how to thank you. We're thankful for many reasons, mostly because your help and ambitions will help to make it possible that Katelyn gets all the treatment she needs, and the best that we can find. It may aso allow the three of us to be together and deal with this as a family. Although it is tough with Todd not working, I am incredibly grateful to be able to have him by my side during this. I don't think I could be at the hospital all the time without his support. It is great being able to care for her together and take turns resting. It would also be difficult because of this pregnancy. I need to take care of both of my children, the health of both of our children is our primary concern, so it is important to us for me to be able to rest and take care of myself. The next few months will be very trialsome and stressful, having Todd here to help care for Katelyn, and pick up some of my slack so I can focus on my health as well, is a blessing.

Again, thank you to everyone for everything. It is all incredibly appreciated!

Love,
Krystal