T+361 Farewell ANOTHER January

One year ago today I titled the post "Farewell January".  I NEVER thought I'd be posting from Minnesota a year later!  But we are finally seeing the light, I think.  Torie's labs today were great.  Her RBC's and hemoglobin are back up, and platelets are 191.  Urine protein remains negative, and steroids are slowly coming down - today was her last day on 25mg, and Wednesday we go to 20mg.  Just when she was feeling pretty good on 30mg, we cut them.  She's now trying to adjust to not feeling so happy as we change doses.  At least this is a change for the better!  We spent quite a while talking to Theresa today.  The plan is to have a final appointment with Dr. Orchard next Monday, and then leave later that week.  And not come back until Torie's 2nd Un-Birthday.  I told Theresa that when she said to come back for her 6-month check that we didn't realize she meant a 6 month stay.  That better not be the plan for the next time! 

We also saw a new specialist today - Dr. Larson is a hip and knee orthopedic surgeon.  She evaluated Torie and got more X-Rays.  We'll check X-Rays in 6 months, and we'll see her when we come back next year.  I think hip and knee surgery is in Torie's future, but we'll focus on her just getting back to "normal" for now.  Dr. Larson was quite impressed when she asked Torie to walk in the hall and Torie said "I running!"

As always, we are grateful beyond words for all you've done for us through this.  Your comments, support, thoughts, and prayers keep us going.  And Kati - thanks for the supplies to keep our strength up!