9/16/2020 Memphis Bound

On Tuesday 09/15/2020, we started the day with an 8AM appointment at Tennessee Valley Gynecologic Oncology with Dr, Kirby. The MRI results noted "the cyst demonstrates and enhancing, mural nodularity within the caudal aspect of the cyst. The nodules demonstrate no evidence of fat signal, calcium or ossification. A representative mural nodule measures approximately 9 mm in greatest dimension. There are thin (1 mm), enhancing septations within the superior aspect of the cyst."

So what does all that really mean? She has a cyst on her right ovary that needs to be surgically removed. Dr. Kirby has been working closely with Dr. Daves at St. Jude Clinic-Huntsville. Together with her team of doctors at St. Jude-Memphis, they have developed a treatment plan.  Although we don't have all the answers, we feel confident the doctors will do what is best for Kaylee. They are planning to do the surgery laparoscopic, unless there are complications after they begin. Since she has had two recent surgeries, there is a lot of scar tissue to work around. They will bag the specimen and send for biopsy. The pathology results will then dictate the next step in treatment. This should be an easier recovery than the right hemicolectomy. 

Kaylee being silly!

Recent changes at the Memphis campus now allow 2 parents to accompany the patient. This news was a relief to all of us. We are scheduled to arrive in Memphis on October 5th at 11AM where we will all three be COVID tested and complete registration.  We will have a place to stay there on campus. Surgery will take place October 6th and she will stay the night in the hospital that night. If all goes well, she will be released and stay with us in on campus accommodations Wednesday night. On Thursday, she will have an appointment with the team and if all looks well, she will be discharged home.

Kaylee made this meme after walking out of Dr. Kirby's office!

Kaylee had a volleyball game Tuesday night and we talked with a representative from St; Jude to confirm the above information while Kaylee warmed up for the game. It wasn't until after the game, that the most amazing thing happened. Sparkman Middle's volleyball Coach, Kayla Jefferson and the entire 8th grade team, approached the MMS girls and they presented Kaylee with gifts and a huge card with the girls' favorite motivational quotes. It was a beautiful, touching moment and the best display of sportsmanship we had ever witnessed. What no one knew, is that day Kaylee was told that she will for sure have a 3rd surgery at St. Jude Hospital in Memphis soon. The love that was expressed to her was priceless.

Kaylee holding the gifts and card from SMS volleyball team

As for Kaylee, she is in good spirits overall. Some days are more difficult that others. We often talk openly as a family about our feelings and I believe this helps. During the weeks prior to surgery, Kaylee will be able to finish her school volleyball season and play in a few more club soccer games with her AYSO United team.

AYSO UNITED 07G

Thank you all for your support during this journey!

#southernstrong

9/8/2020 Uncertainty

St. Jude visit on 8/28/2020 with Dr. Daves did not go as we expected. The scans showed the cyst in her right ovary has increased to 6.5 cm. Dr. Daves said she didn't think this was anything "scary" and we could look at taking a birth control pill to decrease the size and ask an OBGYN to review scans. After a review of her scans, the OBGYN oncologist asked to see Kaylee in his office.  On 9/3/2020, we met with Dr. Kirby, at Tennessee Valley Gynecologic Oncology. He explained, "the cyst is not consistent with a simple functional ovarian cyst. Given the complexity as well as her previous appendiceal tumor discussed potential for metastatic disease to the ovary as well as other ovarian neoplasms." He ordered labs for tumor markers and an MRI of the pelvis "to better characterize the internal nature of this mass and rule out metastatic disease."

Needless to say, this was not the news we wanted to hear. Kaylee did not take this as well as she did the first time. With all this unknown ahead of us, came a lot of tears. After an afternoon of napping and getting a reboot to her system, she sprung back into the game!  That evening she went to MMS to play a  volleyball game and 8th grade recognition night. We could not have been more proud of Kaylee that evening! Knowing all she had went through that morning and to get back out on the court with her team like everything was normal. We enjoyed a family dinner that night at Outback, where Kaylee enjoyed a filet mignon and sweet potato.

Since then, she has had a positive attitude and enjoyed spending time doing the things she loves. Saturday she hung out with her parents running errands and shopping. Sunday started off with her playing as a guest player with the AYSO United 08G's. With a big win (9-1) vs Homewood 07, she came off the field feeling great!  That afternoon the shenanigans began! She and a few besties hit Bridge Street dressed in fun wigs! 

That evening, they enjoyed watching Mulan and eating pizza at a friends Dive-In Movie Party. Monday we headed out early to Guntersville State Park where the girls went zip-lining at Screaming Eagle. One more thing for Kaylee to check off her bucket list! Afterwards, enjoying lunch at a local Mexican restaurant.

 

Although we do not know what the future holds, with this kind of support and attitude, she can conquer anything! The uncertainty is what makes this most difficult. As parents, we will continue to be positive and follow Kaylee's lead. She has set the pace for this journey and as strong as she is, its made it easier to follow!