Emmy's Story Archive

So here we are at week 10 of chemotherapy treatment, just two weeks out from new images and a new game plan. This little lady is hanging so tough through all of this, each day blowing our minds with her ability to power through the side effects and flash those trademark Emmy smiles in the face of adversity. She is feeling pretty good day to day, fighting through the nausea that never seems to subside and staying healthy despite the odds.

So last week Emery went down to Denver for her last chemo treatment and all new images. She was put asleep and intubated for a new MRI and PET-CT so see what effect twelve weeks of chemotherapy had on her large tumor.

We are thankful for you. Thankful that you are joining us on this journey through the dark, ever pressing towards that brilliant sunshine at the other end. Having friends and family by our side is where most of that strength comes from. You are the origin. Your encouragement, positivity, and love are what carry us through this sometimes very dark space. Thank you for being by our side as we go forth together.

Positive (negative) results from these tests will not alter our current plan which has us continuing chemo through the end of April at the earliest. It is hard as parents to wrap our heads around that many treatments and that many times these caustic drugs have to work their way through our daughter's system but it is what needs to be done to ensure she will someday be cancer free. So, carry on we shall.

In other news, during the last visit to Children's Hospital Colorado where Emmy had a big chemo treatment she was also intubated for a new CT and MRI. This was to take a look at her tumor site checking for regrowth but also to see an image of her chest which is where this particular type of cancer would go next if continuing to spread. We are ecstatic to report that all scans came back clear and the good people on our care team are not seeing any indications of cancer!

where Emmy’s cancer has returned, at the original tumor site, is very close to a number of vital parts, especially her bladder. So close in fact, that another surgery would mean the removal of her bladder completely and then a lifetime of associated complications. Not a road we wish to do down. Protons are allowing us to treat the recurrence without doing to much damage to the surrounding areas. A ultra precise game of millimeters.

Working on getting you a proper update on all things ladybug so stay tuned for that. In the meantime, check out this segment on TV8 in Vail all about our little girl and the wonderful benefit being held next Wednesday at Vendetta's in Vail Village.

Every time we do get to pass through the threshold of our own place, there comes a moment where a certain smile crosses our little lady’s face, the special one reserved for when she is extra happy, and it melts you into a puddle right there on the spot. We could turn around and get right back in the truck, the whole journey back home made worth it in that one moment.

...since we have been on this journey there have been an untold amount of people who have helped us out along the way. Everything from the incredibly generous donations, to the notes, gifts, messages, food, beverages, kind words, positive thoughts and all of it in-between. You’ve all been nothing short of amazing.

We leave Sunday for Denver in preparation for early morning scans Monday at Childrens Hospital. This is the big day. These scans (MRI, CT, PET-CT) will paint a good picture of where we're at, a month out from treatment.