Waiting to start our scans

Fun with little sis

Our trip to Disneyland

We have been meaning to post an update for some time now but life has been busy! We are just over two years out of Audrey's treatment (Feb 6) so we returned to Seattle Children's today to get another follow-up CT scan. It was another super early morning of fasting, contrast drinking, and cartoon watching. Since Audrey is still too young to be able to sit still for the scan she did have to undergo anesthesia again. It doesn't matter how many times we have been through this with her, it does not get any easier. It is scary when your kiddo (especially little kiddos) have to go under. We get to be there holding her while she falls asleep and right there waiting for her when they wheel her back in. Fortunately she woke up super smoothly this time and had some crackers and juice before we headed off. Our clinic appointment with oncology was very shortly after the scans were completed which is much better than having to wait an hour or two in between. It can make for a really long day! We met with a new doctor today. He works specifically with Neuroblastoma but just joined Seattle Children's 6 months ago. Apparently he was impressed with Dr. Park's work (aren't we all?) and moved out here to work alongside her. He reviewed the scans and was able to give us his conclusion that the scans looked the same as the ones prior which is GREAT news. This afternoon he called to give us the official report of the same finding. He said what is left behind is so small it really isn't measurable but can be identified when comparing left vs right. It is always a sobering experience to visit the oncology clinic. There are so many children, all different ages, in various stages of treatment. It already feels so long ago that Audrey was in the middle of chemo but we try not to forget all that our tough little bug has been through. There are many families who don't have the outcome that we have had and we know we are incredibly blessed. It is just another reminder to maintain perspective and to be kind to others as you don't always know what they might be going through.

As far as Audrey's heart is concerned, we will see her cardiologists in a little less than 2 months. The last appointment was good but she is still on a heart medication.  Her main doctor has seen some kids who are weaned off too soon have decreased heart function. As much as we don't like her being on this medication, we would rather be on the cautious side when it comes to discontinuing it.

Since we last posted Audrey got a baby sister. Eleanor is almost a year old now and thinks Audrey is just the COOLEST! Ellie is actually the age that Audrey was when she was diagnosed and that totally blows our minds. Having two kids in the house is definitely a different ball game and my heart goes out to those parents who have a sick kiddo with other kids in the house too.

We get to go a year without visiting oncology again and when we do it will be Audrey's last scan! Wahoo! Thanks for reading and for caring about our sweet Audrey.