Today was a wonderful day.  Georgia and I left the house at 7:30 to drive to Phoenix Children's Hospital for Georgia's surgery.  Today she had her port removed.  This was such a special day because it means she is no longer needing to get chemo treatments as often.  They initially put the port in her chest,  to make accessing her veins easier.  She was getting IV chemo treatments sometimes several times a week, on top of fluids, antibiotics and blood transfusions.   The fact that she doesnt need it anymore is wonderful.  It also means that Georgia got the EASIEST 2 year mantinence treatment plan possible.   It was a miracle.   On December 30th, I got a call from Georgia's nurse saying I needed to come in because they decided to randomize her today.   I panicked.  I thought Ii had until Thursday to pray.  I thought I had until Thursday to make sure Georgia got a blessing from her father.  So I called my mom and mother in law, and asked them to please pray that Georgia would get the right treatment plan for her.  And I got the kids together and explained what was going on, and we prayed as well.  i had been praying for months for the right treatment, but I just needed more time!  So I went to the Hospital to sign the papers and find out the news.   After filling out all the research papers, they told me it would take 20 or so min for them to get the info to the computer, and randomize her, and to go home.  They would call me with the results.  I didnt get more than a mile away when Kate, Georgia's nurse called.  She said it went faster than she thought and she had news for me.  I aksed her if I should pull over.  I didnt want to be told while I was driving.  i could have driven my car into a building if she gave me bad news.  She went ahead and told me anyway.  Out of the 4 possible treatment plans Georgia got the easiest.  Instead of steroids for one week every month, and chemo treatment one week every month, and a higher dose of methotrexate,  Georgia got steroids 1 week every 3 months.  Chemo treatments every 3 months, and the lowest methotrexate dosage.  She also takes chemo in pill form every night for the next 2 years.  Our lives would have been terrible sad had she recieved 1 of the 2 treatment plans where steroids would have been given every month.  She just doesnt tolerate them.  She was needing xanax after the 2nd day on steroids this time.  And it takes about a week for her personality to go back to normal after she is finished with them.  So she would have been happy 2 weeks out of the month for 2 years.  And I am sure it would have gotten worse as time went on.  We are just so blessed.  There are so many children who have it so much worse.  We are so blessed.  I am loving having a normal life now.  We still have been to the Dr about once a week so far, but Georgia is feeling well and happy.   We are so happy to say good bye to the port.  She is very happy to have IV's through her arm from now on.   ALSO. The anesthesiologist was wonderful today.  I have pretty much developed a hatred for anesthesiologist in the last 9 months.  The first several experiences Georgia had with them were traumatic.   So we both have a good fear of them.  I was very direct and angry with the sweet anesthesiologist today, just bracing myself for what was to come.  Luckily she was compassionate and followed my wishes even though it added 2 extra minutes onto the procedure.   But it saved Georgia from trauma, and the Dr. was kind and knew it would.  THAT was a huge blessing as well.  My sweet daughter doesnt need to worry about getting put under again until March.  We are so happy.
In the mean time we have made a few changes in our family, with more on the way.  I have decided to homeschool the kids.  Georgia rarely got to go to school as it was because she kept getting sick from the other kids.  I wanted her to go.  She had the world's greatest most loving Kindergarten teacher.  And the teacher's efforts were not lost on Georgia.  She appreciated and told me about every fun thing they did.   But poor Georgia has to go through so much when she gets even a cold.  IV's, hospital stays, and worry and stress for us and the doctors.  I just decided it wasnt worth it.    For the last 9 months while i have been worrying about Georgia, I have been worrying about Cooper almost as much.   I never had time with him.  He is kind of a difficult child, and I never felt like I had adequate time to give him the attention he needed.  He would be home at 4 and most of our interactions from then until 8 would be negative.  Fighting about home work, piano, behavior. It was just chaos.   So I decided I needed more time with him.  He is home with me too.  I have 3 beautiful kids with me all day:) And a tiny little baby on the way.   Luckily I have so many homeschooling recourses.  We just moved into a neighborhood where at least 7 of the families actually homeschool as well.  They are inspirational families.  The mothers are amazing.  I am learning so much from them.  I need to learn much more!  We are all excited about this new venture!  My goal is to not loose it, keep my kids on track (or ahead!) develope a better relationship with my son, and keep Georgia healthy.   I am also excited to grow, learn and expand my horizons.  Its not that I crave making my life difficult.  I am jealous of people who have free time.  Really I am.   I just know where my weaknesses are and where the trouble spots in our family are and really hope I can see some improvements with my effort.