We took Marianne into her primary care physician's office on Fri, 02/10/06. She had been having a little leg pain and limping. She's in athletics, and we thought it might be a strain or some growing pains. Her primary care immediately called an orthopedist, and he saw us two hours later.

X-rays were done, and he scheduled us for an MRI Mon morning at 7:30. Later that afternoon he called with the news - it was osteosarcoma. Tuesday we met with the hematology/oncology specialist and Marianne had a CT scan and a bone scan. Lung nodules were found on CT. Wednesday we saw a pediatric surgeon and surgery was scheduled for Thursday. The Dr. took a biopsy from the leg tumor and a lung nodule. Marianne had heart tests, x-rays, and a hearing test. We went home from the hospital Friday night. Saturday the Dr. called and confirmed the bad news. He said to go in Monday morning at 7:30 for kidney tests and to meet him in his office after that. He said he plans on admitting her to start chemotherapy on Monday if there is a room available, and that she would be there 3-4 days.
 

My mother and James' parents have been by our side every step of the way. Big sister Rachel has fixed suppers for us, and little brother David has been a great help. The doctors and staff at Cook Children's Medical Center have been wonderful.

Sunday we noticed clumps of hair falling out. We made a phone call and found someone willing to do a haircut on Monday, the day the salon is usually closed, so she wouldn't have to be around a lot of people. It turned out really cute! The hairstylist donated her service in honor of her mother, who is a cancer survivor. Now we're on the lookout for cute, trendy hats.