Raylee's Story

On Monday, May 23rd Raylee went to the emergency room with a severe tummy ache. After an x-ray revealed some unanswered questions a CT Scan was ordered. After the CT Scan, we were informed Raylee had an unknown mass in her pelvic area. This was the day our ordinary routine lives became confused and surreal as we were told it was a tumor. We lost track of time--it seems as if time stopped at that very moment.

Proir to this Raylee was a healthy child. Just two days before her 'tummy ache' we were riding dirt bikes and 4-wheelers on the desert. That Monday morning Raylee woke up happy and a free spirit---ready to start the day playing with Parker the dog and Grandma Patty. We had no idea a 'tummy ache' could be a tumor--but we are extremely grateful the doctor in the ER found it.

Raylee had surgery the following day but the surgeon was not able to remove the tumor. Instead a biopsy was completed which revealed she has ganglioneuroblastoma; meaning she has a childhood cancer with both malignant and benign parts. According to the American Cancer Society, ganglioneuroblastoma contains neuroblasts (immature nerve cells) that can grow and spread abnormally. It is a common cancer in infants and the 4th most common type of cancer in children. Some research has found neuroblastomas develop when normal fetal neuroblasts fail to become mature nerve cells or adrenal cells....but instead contunue to grow and divide which may result in a tumor as it grows and grows.

Following the biopsy, we had a week full of additional CT scans, bone scan, bone marrow biopsy, and an MIBG scan. Her tumor is very large around the the size of a softball--it is hard to comprehend this fits in her little body, especially because she is such a small child. It sits in the middle of her pelvic area against her spine, while pushing on her bladder. The results of these tests show the cancer has not spread......we are extremely thankful for this blessing, however, the surgeon said it would be complicated to remove the entire tumor.

After spending a week in the hospital we are exhausted in every way...physically, mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. We have an unpreditable road ahead of us...but we are willing to do whatever it takes to help our baby girl heal and get better.

Friday, June 3rd, we were told the neuroblastoma is a Stage 3. Stage 3 means the cancer cannot be completely removed with surgery and it has crossed the midline (on both sides of the body). She will begin Chemotherapy next week in attempt to shrink the tumor prior to removing it all together. We are blessed to have amazing oncology doctors and an amazing surgeon working with our daughter. We are blessed to have so many friends and family showing love and support for Raylee and us!