Around this time last year Gwyneth complained about pain in her knee. We asked her pediatrician about it at her well check up in January. Her doctor said let’s keep an eye on it.

In March we were back at the doctor’s office because the pain was getting worse. Gwyneth was having trouble walking, dancing, swimming, running, etc. Her pediatrician was concerned. We went to an orthopedist and they sent us to Children’s Hospital for an MRI. They still didn’t know what we were dealing with but they knew it was more than just some growing pains. 

They found a tumor in her leg. They needed a second MRI. The second MRI results came back and they still didn’t know what it was. 

We’ve met with rooms full of specialists and this girl has been poked and prodded for months. They still couldn’t give us a conclusive answer to what she was dealing with. 

Today we checked in for surgery. They have to identify what this is so we know where we go from here. Today they performed an angiogram (there is an artery running through the tumor) and a biopsy. 

Gwyneth was scared. She was up late the night before and cried any time the surgery was discussed. She had bad experiences with the MRIs and was terrified of another IV. 

We left our home at 6 in the morning; Gwyneth in her favorite new Paris pj’s. She was nervous and scared, but so very brave. The surgery was almost four hours and she had to lay perfectly flat for four hours afterwards.  She did great! 

We had so much support at the hospital and her biggest concern was that Annabelle would come to see her.  Of course, she did. Annabelle’s a pretty fabulous big sister. 

Now, we wait for results…