Cait Naylor

First post: Nov 17, 2019 Latest post: Apr 22, 2021
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11 year old Cait Naylor has been diagnosed with cancer, specifically, Stage 4 Soft Tissue Sarcoma. This is her story.  

A little over a month ago Cait noticed a small bump near her ankle. Over the next few weeks the bump quickly grew larger.  Jon & Dyan took Cait in to see an orthopedic doctor to have it checked out, thinking, if anything, it could be a sports injury.  Cait is a very healthy & athletic girl and is a fierce competitor on her club volleyball team. Cait was diagnosed with cancer less than a week later. The last few weeks have been a blur of x-rays, ultrasounds, MRI's, PET scans, and meetings with doctors. The results of each test have confirmed our fears that the mass is malignant.  A few days ago Cait underwent a PET scan, the results of which showed that Cait's cancer has spread to her lungs. This categorizes Cait's cancer as Stage 4.  On Thursday 11/14/19, Cait underwent her first surgery to take a sample of the tumor for biopsy. The results of the biopsy are expected soon and will determine exactly what type of cancer this is. What we know at this point is that Cait has cancer of the soft tissue in her body, a "soft tissue sarcoma," that began in her lower leg and spread to her lungs.  The initial tumor is in between her tibia and fibula bones, in her calf muscle and wraps around her ankle. The doctors are not able to remove it via surgery.  Cait will undergo her second surgery next Wednesday 11/20/19  to insert a chemo port into her chest and she will begin chemotherapy treatment the next day.  As of right now, Cait is scheduled to undergo 6-9 months of weekly chemotherapy treatment. It is unknown if the chemo treatments will be a single day treatment or if Cait will need to stay in the hospital for 2-3 days each week.  After each weekly chemo treatment, however, Cait will be able to go home to rest.  All of her procedures and treatments will take place at Children's Hospital of LA. 

Although Cait experienced some pain from her biopsy surgery this week, she has otherwise been in great spirits. She is looking forward to going back to school, getting back on the volleyball court and doing all of the things that 11 year olds love to do.  Her vibrant smile still lights up every room she is in.  This unexpected news has been devastating for the family but they remain very positive. They feel fortunate to live so close to one of the best hospitals in the country and to be surrounded by family, friends and an incredibly supportive community. 

We understand that many are looking for ways to help. We have organized a "meal train" so please check out the "Ways to Help" page. In the meantime, please use this page for all updates and communication.  There is an email link for any questions or private messages you want relayed to the family. The Naylor family appreciates your prayers, support and words of hope and encouragement. Although they may not respond immediately, they will see each and every post to this page. Let's lift them up together. 

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