We're just keepin' on keepin' on!

Thanks to all who have called or emailed asking how things are going. They are going fairly well, and we have settled into somewhat of a routine. Grace is going to the hospital less often right now. I've really discovered that the treatment of this type of condition can be a little bit of a moving target. She does not go to the hospital this week or next week. Instead, I am giving her injections at home. She still has many of the same side effects, but it is easier to not have her miss school, or spend those hours at the hospital! The injections at home are only the methotrexate--not the steroid, which is the more difficult drug on her body. Her weight gain is at about 10 pounds right now, but by far the biggest effect we're noticing is her emotional rollercoaster. As Rob so accurately put it, "it's like we have a 14 year old". If this is what puberty's going to be like, BEWARE!!!!

Thank you to those who have brought the Wednesday gift baskets. Please know that even though we're not going to the hospital as often right now, that the items are still coming in very useful because the day of the injection--even if I give it at home--she still feels a little run down, and often likes to play a little more quietly.

We have an opthamologist appointment on Tuesday to make sure that the eye has not been affected. It takes 3 months to get into see the opthamologist at Children's Hospital, so that is why we are just now going to see him about this. They have told me to expect a 2 hour appointment!!! Our next follow-up with the rheumatologist is the following week, and we should have a much clearer indication of the future course of her treatments. For right now, her next IV infusion isn't until June 12.

Though I don't think they read here, I'd like to publicly thank Grace's teacher and the secretaries at the school for being so great in working with her and her changing needs. It has been a huge help.

Right now, we are focusing our energy on something positive: Grace will receive her First Holy Communion on June 8. I am really looking forward to seeing all the family that will be coming for the event. I will be sure to post pictures!

I will also post an update after our upcoming doctors' appointments.

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.