NEWS: Good

Ava's scan today revealed really, really good news:  Beatrice the Rude Tumor has shrunk by almost 50%!  The first scans done on June 26th measured Beatrice at 10.5 cm at the largest width and she/it is now 6 cm at the widest point.  Additionally, the cancer has disappeared in one of the lymph nodes which was problematic, but another one may still have some bad cells.  If I heard correctly (via speakerphone from East TN), they were unable to get a good look at that second tumor and may remove it during the surgery. 

In terms of scheduling a surgery, it sounds like we won't know a particular date until next Wed., but we do know that it will not be until three weeks after the third or fourth course.  This means that the earliest that surgery will occur will be early September, but could be as late as October. 

Practically, this is great news for our family - it means that Holly, Ava, and Big Bo will be coming home on Wednesday!  Ava's 3rd course of chemo will be scheduled at the St. Jude affiliate in JC at the end of next week, and she will probably receive the 4th course there too, depending on what the surgeons decide concerning timing.

We are thrilled with this news.

We also learned today that Ava will not be attending her beloved elementary school until the chemo is complete, and then, only if her numbers look good.  It sounds to me like that means a return to "normalcy" sometime in late October or early November.  Until that time, she will have a homebound teacher and though she is very sad to miss so much of the school year, she would rather be homebound here than in Memphis.

It's been quite a rollercoaster today and we are all exhausted.  However, we have felt your prayers and support and have made it this far because of you.  Thank you.

Please post any questions you may have in the comments below and I will respond when I get a chance! 





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