You'll find several discussions on this board about non-classic, mild, benign... CF. I'm assuming you got the results from your regular doctor and not from an accreditted CF clinic. They were probably referring to the mutations possibly not having as severe symptoms as others.
When DS was diagnosed several well meaning relatives suggested that maybe he had "mild" cf as they knew of people who weren't diagnosed until later. So we asked our CF doctor who told us that he didn't believe in labeling CF as mild. People with CF are born with normal lungs; however, due to infections, progression of the disease, thick mucus, eventually the lungs will become affected.
With CF it's difficult to determine how it will affect someone. There can be siblings with very differing symptoms despite having the same mutations. It's important to be proactive in order to keep your daughter happy and healthy.
If you go onto the cystic fibrosis foundation's website cff.org you can find where the closest accreditted CF facility is located, find out information in terms of their quality of care. Depending upon where you live in Iowa you may be closer to a facility in another state as well -- MN, SD, IL, MO..
Also, be aware that not all the information you read on the internet or at the public library is up to date. Life expectancy has increased, there are new treatments available.... Please don't be afraid to ask any questions. You'll have a clear picture once your child starts going to an accreditted CF facility in terms of her needs -- if she's pancreatic insufficient and needs enzymes, how to do chest physiotherapy (CPT) to keep her lungs clear, vitamin supplements and any other medications...
