Aubree’s Journey

Aubree’s journey began on February 3rd when we took her for her annual eye exam. We observed her struggling to read certain things and noticed she was standing very close to the TV. During her eye exam, they attempted to provide her with various prescriptions to improve her vision. Despite trying many different options, her vision remained at 25/100, and she continued to struggle to see clearly.  They decided it would be in Aubree’s best interest to see an eye specialist.

On February 7th, we visited the specialist, and Aubree underwent several different field tests and had numerous images taken of her eyes. After examining Aubree, the specialist ultimately discovered that something was obstructing her optic nerve and recommended an MRI.

On February 12, Aubree went in for her MRI. About 30 minutes after the procedure, her pediatrician called us with news no one ever expected: Aubree has a brain tumor.
That’s the day our lives changed forever.
We were devastated. Our fun-loving, gymnastics-loving, soccer-loving girl was just diagnosed with a BRAIN TUMOR. How do you go on from that? How do you live day to day not knowing what comes next?
That same day, Aubree was scheduled to see a neurosurgeon. The appointment was a week away.
As they waited for the appointment, stress levels began to rise as they wondered what would happen.

On February 19, we went to see the neurosurgeon. During the appointment, they reviewed the MRI results and discovered that it was an optic nerve glioma, a rare type of tumor. Only 5% of tumors diagnosed in children are this type. Unfortunately, surgery was not an option, as it could potentially cause total blindness and damage a hormone-producing gland in her brain, requiring her to take hormone medication for the rest of her life. We were then referred to Children’s Mercy in Kansas City.

On February 24, we went for an MRI of Aubree’s brain and spine, followed by appointments with hematology and oncology. On February 25, we met with the oncologist. We reviewed the MRI results, and he informed us that the tumor was not only in her optic nerves but also where her optic nerves meet. It’s called optic pathway glioma. We then discussed treatment options, and it was ultimately decided that Aubree should start chemotherapy as soon as possible. This meant that she would need a port for access to the treatments. She will receive treatments once every 4 weeks for up to a year.

On March 6th, Aubree had her port placed and began her first round of treatment. She handled it like the rockstar she is!