Surgery Scheduled

Ava's surgery (to remove Beatrice) is now scheduled for Friday, September 6th at St. Jude.  Holly, Ava, and Big Bo will be flying back to Memphis on Labor Day and I will drive there later that week, before the surgery.  We are all a little bit anxious - Ava especially - but are so glad to finally have a date on the calendar to get that thing out of her stomach!  Bye, Beatrice the Rude Tumor.

We don't know how long they'll be staying in Memphis this time.  The estimated recovery time from surgery is two weeks, which puts us up against the timing for the next round of chemo, so it may work out to stay at St. Jude for #4.  We are unclear if the gap between the rounds will become longer, due to the surgery.  Once again, a lot of unknowns.

What we do know is that being home has been so good for Ava.  She bounced back from this last round of chemo more quickly and her spirits and energy have been extraordinarily high most of the time (considering all things).  Several people have made the comment that if not for her bald head, you wouldn't be able to tell she has cancer, because she is so energetic and spirited.  She has gotten to sleep in her own bed, see friends and family often, play with her own stuff, and just be connected to regular life.

We are so thankful for this time and incredibly grateful for those of you who have made it possible for us to be fully present with Ava during this time period.