Yesterday was a big day for us. After ultrasounds, X-rays, blood draws, CT scan, biopsy surgery, bone scan and MRI we were finally able to get more specifics on the degree of Audrey's disease. We were already confident from the doctors initial impressions that she has neuroblastoma but the big questions were- where has it spread and does she have the indicators that would put her in the high risk category. (High risk requires much more aggressive chemo and surgery and is not nearly as bright of an outlook). Before Audrey got back to her room from the bone scan and MRI (she had to go under anesthesia for the third day in a row) our four doctors came in to give us some news. Audrey did not fall into the high risk category. There was no indication that it had spread to her bones or bone marrow and the mass by her spine does not currently threaten her spinal cord. This is the best scenario for Audrey. They laid out the plan for Audrey's chemotherapy and subsequent surgery which if all goes as planned will take place some time in November-December. Initially they told us she would get another 4 rounds of chemo after surgery. About 10 minutes later one of our doctors came back to say that her cancer cells divide in a way that makes them more responsive to treatment and she likely won't need the additional 4 rounds after surgery. More good news! As he was telling us, the nurses brought us back our angel who was smiling and ready to eat! We had been told we might go home yesterday but because Audrey's cancer is growing a little more quickly they had us stay and we started her medications late last night. She did beautifully and you wouldn't even know anything was different. We are prepared for some pretty scary side effects but are glad we could get started smoothly.

Because of Audrey's history of cardiomyopathy, our cardiologist team will be working closely with our new oncologist team to make sure her heart stays strong. (Some of the chemo medications are very rough on the heart). Right now her heart looks perfect but she will remain on her heart medication as a preventive measure.

We are in awe of the strength of our baby girl. She has not shown any changes to her mood (smiling, silly and sassy!) really at all. After her surgery our baby was groggy but never seemed uncomfortable or in pain. We know we have a fighter on our hands and we thank God he gave us such a sweet strong girl.

The current plan is to be home Monday or Tuesday after we have finished our first round. Thank you so so so much for the thoughts, the prayers, and for supporting our fight to get our Audrey healthy again. We are very encouraged by all the love for Audrey. We know we are the luckiest parents to have been given such a gift.