Another Quick Update

Sorry to update so late, but Catherine's ANC finally went above 500 at last Monday's appointment - 912!! We still had to stay off all our chemo. She restarted it on Friday. After a 16 day break, I actually had to ask Dr. Joe to review all the doses with me. I'm glad we are a go on the meds, but it was a pleasant break without worrying about when she finished dinner. She also seemed to have just a bit more energy and oddly enough, foods were tasting different to her. All very normal according to Dr. Joe. Perhaps a glimpse of what life will be like off treatment (although any time I start to think about it, my stomach hurts). This Friday, Catherine is scheduled for her monthly vincristine and steroids. At least she won't be on the steroids for Christmas. At that time, Dr. Joe is going to check her IGG (immunoglobulin) level. The transfusion she had a reaction to may become a monthly thing this winter just to help her along (despite the transfusion, her cold continues to linger). And, just in case she does need the transfusion, the insurance company has already approved it and are sending me the product to keep in my fridge for when it is needed. I have to say, I love our insurance company. They have been fantastic throughout this process. Dave's company is about to change plans and I am devastated. I hope the new company is as good as this one (I won't name names). Thankfully, Dr. Joe takes almost all insurance (he recently dropped one, but so has everyone else because they are awful - we once had them).
So that is all for now. The kids are very excited about Christmas, the house is decorated, and I am almost done shopping. The kids haven't met Aidan yet, but they are excited to see him and maybe give him a bottle. Catherine has told us that she will not change diapers. Maybe in a few years. Thanks for checking in!