Kristin "Kourageous" Katich

I am happy to report that Kristin was released from the hospital yesterday. The pain is not as intense, sores appear to be retreating, fever has subsided, and she seems to be slowly improving with the exception of some sore gums. It seems the worst is over. I was able to talk to the doctor and asked what exactly she has. She said it was the hand, foot and mouth virus...aka coxsackie. Who knew? A big thank you Grandma Inza and Nate for their TLC . Thank you for the prayers offered on her behalf. X & O to everyone .

"Mom, I have this sore throat, but don't worry, I can handle it," Kristin reported earlier in the week. Well, I have no doubt she knows exactly what to do and that she is more than capable. Unfortunately the unassuming sore throat turned into much more than anyone expected. While visiting her Grandma, the pain became severe and they went in for a strep test Friday afternoon. The test was negative and some meds were prescribed but by Saturday the pain became unbearable (on the handy dandy pain scale she put it at a 9, which is pretty bad) making it too difficult to swallow the meds, and fever reared its ugly head during a nap. A trip to the ER was necessary. Some iv pain meds, other "stuff", fluids and labs were ordered. I was anxious to see the numbers. (and yes, I am hundreds of miles away, but I know Kristin is wanting and learning to take on more of her care herself, it still is hard to be so far away) At first we were told that her WBC (white blood cell coun...

I think my heart skips a beat or two as the days approaching Kristin's clinic visits approach. Restless sleep consumes the nights preceding the checkup. A simple song on the radio brings torrents of tears . My mind races through all the fears of the unknown, oh no's and what-if's. Am I the only parent who feels this way? I do not think so. I know there are thousands of us who live this scenario every day. I pray that as time and research marches on, that there will be fewer parents who are members of this not so inclusive club we are a part of. I have hope that this day will come. Well, all sentiments aside, Kristin's clinic visit was, " STELLAR! " I was terribly anxious until I had the much anticipated labs in my hot little hands. This was with good reason as Kristin had some crazy bruising going on. Our dog had jumped on her while she was visiting. This, in and of itself, should be of no concern, but the naughty pup left some alarming bruise...

Hello everyone! Kristin has had two clinic visits since April. I am happy to report all is going well thus far. For those of you who speak the language, here are the labs from May and June. May WBC 5.0 HGB 15.8 PLATES 182 ANC 240 April WBC 5.0 HGB 13.6 PLATES 200 ANC 360 What do all those numbers mean? She is doing great. Notice how stable the numbers are from month to month, remember having absolutely no ANC whatsoever(is that one word or three?), or hemoglobin and platelets so low she needed a transfusion? She still tires easily and has mentioned several times that her knee is bothering her. After a trip to some national parks it began to flare up and was causing her some significant pain on the pain scale. I know....knee pain!!!! Gasp.....Yes, I had my moment, as those were the words that started this ordeal. We both felt the fear for a short time. Luckily her clinic appointment was just two days away and she checked out fine. She will be seein...

The title is so true. During the good and the bad, life marches on. I find myself picking up the pieces of the "fallout" from the last few years. First, I am happy to report that all is going smoothly thus far. Kristin is due for labs next week and I am anxious to see them. I wonder if she is? As for the fall out...aside from the wreckage, I find myself grateful for so many things. The many meals brought to our home, mysterious envelopes of money in our mailbox, the sale of the Live Happy t-shirts, loaning of prom and homecoming dresses, free wigs, donations, care for the boys....not to mention the many scholarships and grants Kristin has received making it possible for her to attend college, and of course the prayers of faith, comfort and hope. I find myself sifting and sorting the still growing pile of bills....ugh! Cancer really knows how to break a bank in more ways than one. Never-the-less, life goes on ....as it should and I trust in the Lord that we are in his...

beautiful! Tia was there on day 1 with a hug and 828 eight days later also. I know this will not be the last. She wears the shirt well.... Connie, Kristin, Dr. Raphael, Tia, and Sandy Everyone loves a cupcake! She decided on strawberry - lime . Kristin made the flowers and they were so cute. We had Martinelli's to toast to the occassion. Kristin's much anticipated visit to the clinic was joyous. There were hugs to cherish, and pictures to capture the memories. Here counts were all good, the physical went well, and she is to have followup appointments and labs once a month for a year. Then, every six months... Our family celebrated quietly with each other. The weekend was magical and emotions came full circle. This is the real test folks. There is no more chemo to keep things at bay. Never-the-less, I have no doubt that the leukemia has been irradicated from her body. We know all too well things could have been different. I simply know that Kristin's time here upon this ear...

828 days...is a very long time. Our hearts are full of gratitude for this day, and humbled beyond description by the monumental tasks which have lead us here. This has been no small undertaking and should rightfully be shouted from every roof top. Well,that is a little dramatic, but honestly, I am overwhelmed with joy! If you have read our blog from the beginning, you know the story, the heartache, struggles and triumphants. All 828 days of them. Most importantly you know the kourage children living with cancer posses. It is humbling to say the least. Hopefully, one day, children will not have to live with cancer. They will be free of cancer. For those families who have lost their child to cancer, life without them is apparent as the "sun failing to rise." A heartache no one should ever know. If you find yourself privileged to know of a child suffering.... l ove them dearly, hold them tightly. Look into their eyes.You have touched a piece of heaven and I promise you will nev...