Warrior Princess - 1, Cancer - 0

Today Jay and I went up to McMaster to meet with Brooklyn's Oncologist, Dr. Portwine. Pathology confirmed the following:

Brooklyn had a stage 1 neuroblastoma tumour.

About 5% of it still contained 'hot' (active) neuroblastoma cells.
About 40% of it contained 'maturing' ganglioneuroma cells.
The last 55% of the tumour contained 'matured' ganglioneuroma calls.

The location of the tumour (in her abdomen, attached to the aorta) was such that they could not ensure a healthy margin between the end of the diseased tissue, and the beginning of the good tissue. As such, it is possible some cancer cells were left behind, though to the naked eye there was nothing left to see.

The tumour was 8.5 x 6.9 x 2.8cm.

What does this all mean?
Well the interesting thing about this cancer is that is actually works reverse to common knowledge about the disease. As the tumour matures, it moves from highly malignant to entirely benign. The concerns come when the neuroblastoma cells spread to other parts of the body, moving children from a stage 1 situation to something much more serious.

As far as unlucky goes, we are entirely blessed to be very, very lucky with a stage 1 scenario.

Brooklyn's oncologist is not requiring any further treatment, but she will be followed with regular MRIs (every three months) and urine tests (monthly) for the next year and beyond. Should something unusual arise, then additional tests will be ordered.

We've found two very good links to more information about this type of childhood cancer, read them here and here, should you desire.

Relapses for this type of cancer occur in 5-15% of low-moderate risk cases.
Brooklyn is not at a higher risk of a new cancer occurrence as a result of this one.

Brooklyn's wound is nearly healed, however she is still having some pain in her legs and numbness in her feet. They hope this nerve damage is only temporary. It is uncomfortable, but does not require meds for pain.

Oddly enough, Jay and I are mellow tonight. I will blog about our feelings once I have pinpointed them, but we think we just feel emotional and exhausted all over again.

Sad that pathology proved she had cancer.
Sad that she went through such trauma.
Sad that our new normal will leave us regularly worrying about a relapse.

I am sure our positive attitudes will return soon, but in the meantime we'll wait to celebrate until we feel good and ready.
xo

#TeamBrookie #WarriorPrincess