Katie Taylor

May saw Katie mostly at home.  The pain was usually under control and everything was falling into place.  Problems with her catheter persisted,  Infections came and went. After a battle with social services we finally got her something called a bath genie (Taylors 1 : Social Services 0).  This meant that Katie could have a shower when she wanted instead of having to have a bed bath.  Its like an oblong paddling pool which we can hoist her into - dont forget she cant use her legs at all and can feel nothing from the neck down now - so being very careful is not an option.  One wrong move and her spine could snap. 

The 3rd May saw Katie coming home again after the final week of chemo, and steroids, swollen, sore but going home.  By now Wayne had learnt to drive a community transport bus so we had the use of transport - obviously we couldnt get Katie in a normal car any longer due to the length of the wheelchair.  Wayne came in the minibus to collect us.  We took a small detour home, after dosing her with severadol (morphine) we drove around to the Harley Davidson shop in Chesterfield where a party was being held for the bikers to celebrate 105yrs of Harleys.  Katie had been made guest of honour.  It was an experience we will never forget. A crowd cheered around her as we walked onto the forecourt, surrounded by some of the most fantastic bikes we have ever seen.  These were not cheap hairy assed bikers, but the cream of mankind.  Nothing was too much trouble for them - they were amazing and made such a fuss of Katie - a live band playing a tribute to her in the background and a presentation of all sorts given to her.  One day in a lifetime.  We have many amazing friends who have stood by us and supported us through all the ups and downs of the last 7 months - suddenly it was just too much and for the first time Katie let go and cried.