Cadence, a tiny fighter barely two months old, is headed back to the operating room today for surgery to remove a mass around her neck. For her parents, Brittany and her partner, this is both a moment of hope and a heart-wrenching reminder of how fragile life can be when your child faces medical challenges.
Over the past two to three weeks, Cadence’s story has been a rollercoaster of triumphs, setbacks, and unwavering resilience — a journey marked by sleepless nights, urgent hospital visits, and the daily courage of a baby who continues to amaze everyone around her.
A First Discharge and an Unexpected Struggle
Earlier in November, Cadence was discharged from the hospital for the first time. She returned home, reunited with her loving parents and her older “siblings” — John and Bruce, their cats — and for a moment, things seemed stable. She was feeding well, content, and peaceful. But from her very first meal at home, signs of trouble began to appear.
Each feed became a battle. Cadence struggled with projectile vomiting, her mood was constantly agitated, and she refused to settle. Within 24 hours, her parents realized something was wrong and contacted the doctor on call. Despite attempts at feeding — both via bottle and feeding tube — she wasn’t keeping anything down, and her diapers showed no sign of normal output. Concerned about dehydration, her doctors advised an emergency hospital visit.
What was intended to be a routine check quickly became the first step in a more serious medical journey.
Back in the Hospital: Tests, Anemia, and Fungal Infection
At the hospital, initial tests ruled out dehydration as the primary issue, but Cadence was still admitted for close monitoring. She spent over 18 hours in the emergency department before being moved to the top floor of the hospital. Blood tests revealed severe anemia, requiring a transfusion, and her feeds were temporarily halted to allow her digestive system to rest.
Despite initial treatments, Cadence’s agitation and feeding difficulties persisted. The medical team suspected infection and started her on antibiotics. Around this time, her parents noticed that the neck mass had grown, with one cyst protruding further than before. A blood culture revealed a fungal infection, which was promptly treated.
This growth, combined with the ineffectiveness of previous sclerotherapy, led her ENT to recommend surgery to remove as much of the mass as possible. The procedure carried significant risks, including potential nerve damage that could affect her ability to shrug her shoulders, move her tongue, or smile. For her parents, this news was sobering — a reminder of the delicate balance between treatment and risk in caring for such a tiny, vulnerable child.
A Return Home Before Thanksgiving
After stabilization with medication, new strategies for managing her reflux, and improved blood levels, Cadence was discharged again on November 26th, just in time for Thanksgiving. Home brought her new joys: stroller rides before the cold weather set in, visits from family, and the first car ride to see relatives. She engaged with her environment, watching Dory’s Reef Cam on TV, and delighted in the attention of her cousins, aunt, and uncle.
Her feeding improved, and her personality — spirited and occasionally judgmental — shone through once more. For her parents, these small, joyful moments were priceless, offering a glimpse of normalcy amidst weeks of hospital visits and medical uncertainty.
Preparing for Surgery: Anxiety and Hope
This morning, as Cadence prepared for her surgery to debulk the neck mass, her parents felt a mix of hope and anxiety. She handled fasting and preparation surprisingly well, a testament to her resilience and the careful guidance of her parents. The nurses in the OR were immediately taken with her, charmed by her strength and spirit.
Even with these positive signs, watching her being wheeled away on a small hospital bed, appearing even smaller than usual, was heart-wrenching. Brittany and her partner understood that this surgery was necessary for her health, but the inherent risks — anesthesia, surgical complications, and potential nerve injury — weighed heavily on them.
The Importance of Support
Throughout this journey, the support of friends, family, and their wider community has been invaluable. Meals delivered through Meal Train, in-person help with household chores and pets, and countless messages of encouragement have sustained them.
Shanon Nusbaum, Amber, Aunt Denise, Brian, and countless others have played vital roles — watching Cadence when her parents couldn’t, caring for the cats, bringing groceries, and providing medical monitoring tools like the Owlet to track her oxygen levels at home. This network has helped Brittany and her partner navigate the intense demands of hospital care while maintaining hope and resilience.
A Family’s Gratitude and the Path Ahead
As Cadence undergoes surgery, her parents wait with bated breath, confident in the medical team but acutely aware of the risks. They understand that this procedure is a crucial step in her treatment — one that will allow remaining cysts to be addressed with sclerotherapy and help stabilize her condition for the long term.
Despite the uncertainty and stress, Brittany and her partner feel gratitude — for every nurse who holds her, every doctor who monitors her progress, and every friend or family member who provides support. These moments of community, love, and hope make the long nights more bearable and remind them that they are not alone in this fight.
The Courage of a Little Girl
Cadence’s journey over the past few weeks is a testament to the strength of a tiny child facing enormous challenges. From feeding difficulties and hospital admissions to fungal infections and surgical interventions, she has met each obstacle with resilience, determination, and courage.
For her parents, every smile, every successful feed, and every small victory is a reminder of why they keep pushing forward. Cadence may be tiny, but her spirit is mighty — and her journey, though difficult, is filled with hope and the promise of brighter days ahead.