More Information

We spoke with Audrey's pediatric oncologist, Dr. Beaty, as the first part of pathology has come back. We know that there is a possibility of two things that Audrey has - epithelioid sarcoma or it is classified as a rhabdoid tumor (specific type of rhabdoid will be determined with continued pathology). The epitheliod generally occurs in teens and shows up in their extremities. The rhabdoid is considered to be a pediatric cancer generally showing up between the ages of 2 and 13. The doctors here have felt like it is rhabdoid from the beginning - as this would be the age for it to show up and the tumor was embedded in muscle which is another characteristic. The very unique thing about this is that the rhabdoid generally attacks the CNS (central nervous system/brain) and/or the kidneys. We have had an ultrasound of the kidneys and an MRI of her brain and both are clear. Perhaps this is why pathology is taking quite awhile to come back.

Much of the information that can be found on the Internet regarding rhabdoid tumors is old information, published in the late 90s - and speaking medically the information is practically ancient. Because the information is old and most of the articles cite children that are discovered to have this after it has entered the brain the mortality rates are very high. Audrey's situation is unique - perhaps the only child that has had a tumor to appear somewhere before it entered the CNS or kidneys. The tumor may very well be the thing that saves her life.

We are still waiting to have an official meeting with Dr. Beaty to discuss our plan of action but we do know that it will include chemotherapy. The length of time she will be on chemo is unknown, the exact concoction of medicines used in chemo is unknown and though we believe it is in the rhabdoid family we do not have it narrowed down to the specific type and we are waiting for the cancer to be staged - which will indicate how concentrated the medical professionals believe it is.

As we get more information we will post it to our blog as I simply do not have the time or energy to call everyone with a personal update. Be sure to become a "follower" of our blog and post your comments and questions.

On a personal non-informative note: I feel like this is the calm before the storm. Audrey is spunky, sassy, full of life and a regular two-year-old. She has been running, playing, talking, processing, attending birthday parties, helping with the girls I watch and enjoying life. Once the chemotherapy starts our lives will turn upside down. Though we do not know exactly how Audrey will respond to the treatment - we have a fairly good idea. There are going to be emotional ups and downs. We have been told it is best for Audrey not to attend church the entire time she is getting the treatment. I will no longer be able to care for Bella and Sophia. People will only be able to come over when they are completely healthy. I am going to have to ask and depend on others to assist with things I simply cannot do on my own.

Thanks to all of you for your prayers, fasting, love and support. I am so grateful to have all of you as my support system.