Gwyneth had her first of two consultation appointments today. The tumor in her leg has been identified as a FAVA and there are two options for removal.

The first we discussed today and is cryoablation. This method involves probes being inserted into the mass and then a process of freezing and then thawing the cells. The dead tissue will then be reabsorbed by her body. Gwyneth will sleep during the procedure and then will need to stay overnight at the hospital for observation. She should be able to walk the next day but will be on bed rest for about a week afterwards for recovery.

The risk of this procedure is that the entire mass will not be frozen and a surgery will have to follow. The risk is low for this happening, but it is a risk.

The second option for removal is surgery and we meet with a surgeon tomorrow to discuss.

We are lucky to have access to medical care for our girl, but she is so over all these appointments. She was a trooper today and never complained. Over dinner she simply stated with the saddest little eyes “I just want this to be over with”. It’s heartbreaking to watch her struggle with the pain and emotional drain of these appointments and procedures. I want this to be over for her so badly. The doctors have assured us that we are so very close. We just keep on truckin’.

We spent LOTS of time in the car together today. Gwyneth has a true love of audiobooks, which helps pass those hours in the car. We finished Harry Potter and The Prison of Azkaban and she was eager to start another. We started and finished Animal Farm.

Animal Farm is a short read, but it’s heavy and it’s my favorite! I read it every year and it never fails me. Gwyneth soaked it in and when hauled Boxer away she had tears in her eyes. She really got into that book and I’m a bit giddy that I go to share it with her.