This is Amy - We had been settling into our new life, juggling hospital visits and trying to keep a normal routine for Zachary. We were so thankful that both Asher and Hudson were progressing with their breathing and feedings. Then, on Saturday, December 4th at 4:00 p.m., we received a call that instantly changed our world. The neonatal doctor at our hospital called to give us an update on the cyst on Asher's right kidney. The diagnosis was neuroblastoma, a very common form of cancer. We had known about the cyst since I was 32 weeks pregnant, but the doctors told us it was a simple cyst on the kidney because the ultrasound didn't show any blood flow through the cyst. Hearing the words neuroblasta immediately brought tears to my eyes. As a cancer survivor myself, I couldn't believe how much sadness and pain overcame me instantly to hear that my newborn had cancer. This has now become one of the most difficult moments of my life. My thoughts quickly turned to a need to do research and know what our plan of action would be. And I started to wonder how I would find the strength to be the mother of a child with cancer. As many of you know, I dedicated some time earlier in my life to volunteering at Children's Healthcare of Atlanta with the Aflac Cancer Center and volunteering as a camp counselor at Camp Sunshine, a camp for children surviving cancer. Ironically, now I would be on the other side, experiencing what it would be like to be the parent of one of these precious children.
We immediately returned to the hospital to visit Asher. I will never forget looking at his face and watching him sleep so peacefully. He looked so perfect, swaddled in his blankets. I prayed for the strength to face what tomorrow would bring for our family. At one point, it looked like he smiled at us.
The doctors didn't have very much information to give us during the call on Saturday. They said the specialist from the Aflac Cancer Center would evaluate Asher in a few days. We are anxiously awaiting the information from the doctor.
We've been overwhelmed with all of the support and kindness from our family, friends and neighbors. At times, it has brought us to tears. The emails, phone calls and offers to help provide so much comfort during this difficult time. With each note, I find that I'm becoming emotionally stronger to face our future. We've also really relied on our faith to get us through this difficult time. I know God has a perfect plan for Asher's life and I'm looking forward to seeing how it is revealed to us.
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