May 10, 2010

Rick has been asking me to write a longer update about Katie's day in Burlington. We came home glowing, full of good news and renewed optimism. Some of our discoveries were almost too much to process all at once, and it was a very emotional day. We have had a lot to think about. I finally have time to share some of the best news with you.

1. Katie has started the Maintenance stage of her treatment plan. Her doctors continue to believe that their therapies have worked; the leukemia has gone, and this long but manageable stage of treatment simply ensures that it will not return. Chemo continues for two more years, but Rick and I will administer most of it at home, and we will travel to Fletcher Allen for IV chemo just once a month.

2. We don't have to return to Fletcher Allen until October 9th. While this is a little bit terrifying, it signifies the doctors' belief that Katie is really and truly well and in the process of recovering strength.

3. Katie can return to day care. She can play soccer and go to dance class. She can go swimming at IROC. She can have playdates and visit friends. She can run through the corn maze. She can go trick or treating. She can bob for apples. She can participate in everyday activities that have been off limits for a long time. She can be a kid.

4. Katie's treatment will officially end May 10th, 2010. Come hell or high water, we expect to celebrate her final day of treatment in a very big way. I was thinking of throwing a party. Rick is talking about Disney World. Whatever we do, it will be festive--big and noisy and rambunctious and messy and fun.

The very idea of an end date is inspiring. I met another mom at the clinic on Thursday. Her son is eight months into the Maintenance program, and he is thriving. As she pointed out, time passes quickly when kids are busy being kids. There will be glitches, I'm sure, but the end is in sight. In the meantime, Katie will do her level best to grow and to play, inching along the path toward health with great hope. She is in great spirits. She knows that she is winning this weird little war, and she is very proud of herself. For what it is worth, I'm proud of her, too.