Day one

1/10/13

After a month of going to doctors, antibiotics, constant bleeding from Avery's ear, and worry I knew something was wrong with Avery. She has had a swelling on her face since the middle of November and what we thought was a ruptured ear drum. After she wasn't responding to the antibiotics we took her to Matt Dahl, an ear, nose, and throat specialist. He told us there was a tissue mass in her ear and we needed to get a CT scan to see what was going on.

Phone picture of the swelling on Avery's face. Taken November 20th

The morning of the 10th we woke up early so that I could feed Avery solid foods and her stomach would have time to empty before her CT scan appointment at 12:30. When we got there Avery found a pink car they had in the waiting room and immediately fell in love. We had to wheel her in the car from room to room because she wouldn't leave it! I was so nervous about her getting sedated and getting an IV. The nurses came in to give her the IV and she didn't even cry! We took her to the CT scan room immediately after and she laid right down and held so still for the entire scan. I was so proud of her and the nurses were shocked that she didn't need sedation. We set an appointment with Matt Dahl that night to find out the results.

After the CT scan I was honestly relieved. I thought that the worst part was over. We went to McDonalds to get french fries and ketchup (her favorite food) and play in the play place. She was so happy and smiling I just didn't know how anything could be wrong with her.

That night Matt told us that the swelling on Avery's face was a cancerous tumor. She would face chemo and radiation therapy. I felt like the rug was pulled out from underneath me and couldn't stop falling. My worst nightmare had come true. My Avery is the sweetest, kindest, happiest, most beautiful girl and I couldn't understand how this could happen to her. I still don't. Knowing that she will go through so much pain is unbearable.

1/11/13

 Avery the morning before seeing the oncologist.

We met with the Oncologist to get all the information we could about Avery's cancer. We knew she had to get a Biopsy to see what stage of cancer she is in and exactly what type it is. We couldn't feed her all morning but she was so good natured about it and went around playing with the other kids in the clinic and with the play kitchen there. We tried to coordinate all the doctors so that we could get her tests done as soon as possible and start treatment. Around 3:00 PM we took her to the operating room. She was so tired (waaay past nap time) and starving so the doctors gave her some medicine so it would be an easier separation from us. As soon as the medicine kicked in she threw her head back and got the biggest grin on her face. I was so happy she wouldn't remember anything afterwords.

In the operating room, Avery got a biopsy through her ear, and lumbar puncture to see if the cancer has spread into her spinal fluid, a bone marrow extraction as well as a port put in. A port is a permanent IV that is on her chest under her skin.

When the doctors told us she was awake we ran back to get her. She was so confused, scared, and upset. This is when everything became so real to me. I would need to be her rock. I would need to be there for her no matter how much pain she was in and no matter how scared I was. It was so hard   seeing her in pain and I wished I could go through it for her.    

Last night she was up very late because she was hurting. Finally I took her in to sleep with me. This morning she woke up smiling and was completely her normal self. She has been running around, laughing and playing all morning.

Avery this morning saying "CHEESE!"

This is her permanent IV. 

Avery playing with her kitchen

Now we will wait to get all the results from her tests back. We are praying that the cancer hasn't spread and they will be able to direct the radiation therapy right at the tumor.

I am completely shocked at the love and support we have gotten from family, friends, and even complete strangers. I know nothing of this world we are walking into but I know we have many people coming with us. Here is where we will post updates, pictures, and the rest of Avery's journey.