Oh, the Rollercoaster

As I've described before, this whole process has felt extremely rollercoastery.  I've learned to curb my (naive?) tendency towards best case scenarios, because I was constantly disappointed and distraught during these last few months.

However, this time I would've been right to be extremely hopeful.  When Holly, Ava, and Big Bo left last Monday for Memphis, we assumed they would be there for at least two weeks and possibly months more.  We just didn't know.  I was the one hoping for two weeks, but after the first days of surgery recovery, I thought more weeks might be more realistic.

The surgeons, Drs., and nurses all kept staying how well Ava was doing and we-the-parents were kinda confused by those statements, because recovery was just really hard.  Then, our oncologist called us into the clinic during the last hour of the work day on Monday.  We were hoping for a timeframe for future chemo and any sort of plan and we got really unexpected news - that we could go home!  I don't think I'm exaggerating when I say we were all shocked.  Ava's body was recovering more quickly than expected and she is able travel.

So, Big Bo and I drove home yesterday and Holly and Ava are returning by plane today!

We also got our plan in place with Dr. Becky (oncologist fellow), calendar-wise.  Initially, we were told that Ava would have 2-3 more rounds of chemo following surgery, but we learned that she will have one in JC next week and then we will go back to St. Jude at the beginning of October for scans to see if her body is clear!  If it is, then we are...done.  If any remaining cells show up, then she'll have a round or two more - not sure where.

This is all very surreal, and while I am trying to stifle the optimist in me, it seems like it's a strong possibility that soon Ava could be cancer-free.  I feel reluctant to make that statement, because it seems like such a huge thing to hope for.

Such a hope is balanced with the realism that so many children with cancer and their families don't get to have the same amount of optimism.  Our friend Brinley and her family aren't offered the same types of news that we have been receiving.  Please continue to pray for her, her mom Jessica, brother Diesel, and Jessica's mom (who lives with them at St. Jude to help with Diesel).

Here is a photo of Diesel's 7th birthday party in the hospital with Brinley watching through a window, since she can't be around people. 

While we do celebrate our continued good news and Ava's brave spirit and body which is defeating this disease, we do so humbly while we remember those who do not get to celebrate.
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Our family is so thankful for each of you that have prayed for us, those who have supported us in varied ways, and for each of you that have held us in the light.  We are so grateful.

I'll write more later in the week with an update on Ava's recovery.