My DS's little buddy Dylan went in for surgery today for what they thought was an ear infection that had settled into the mastoid bone. His mom was told the surgery should last 2-4 hours. When they called them back after just 45 minutes, she immediately knew something was wrong. Unfortunately, what they found was an inoperable brain tumor. They told her it was so intwined that it would be impossible to remove it. They don't have the formal biopsy results yet, but the doctor said that even though it could still come back benign, the chances were not too good.
I can't imagine what they are going through right now. He is such an adorable little boy, full of energy, lots of grins!! He has no clue what is going on, is in no pain whatsoever, and actually is very ticked off tonight because they had told him he would be going home after he woke up from surgery. They will be doing an MRI in the morning to try to get a clearer picture of the situation.
Please keep this little guy and his family in your prayers. It's breaking my heart to think about what they are going through.
UPDATE: The doctors came in late last night and gave them the formal biopsy results. It is indeed malignant. They are still doing an MRI this morning, but then will be deciding which route to go from here. Thank you for all the prayers and kind words.
Here's the newest update. Lots of new info after my visit today. The MRI shows the tumor is in his ear canal growing DOWN into his eustachian tube, not up into the brain. That's good. However, it is large and rapidly growing. They are starting chemo immediately tommorow. Will be doing surgery in the morning to do the port for chemo and also will be doing a spinal tap at that time to see what, if any, brain involvement there is. They will also be doing another CT scan tomorrow, this time more of his chest area to determine how far down may be involved.
The doctor came in while I was there and told them kinda mixed news. They do know exactly what kind it is now - couldn't repeat it if I had to
- but that it is extremely rare. He had seen only 3 cases personally in 30 years - all above the age of 10. This is the youngest he has ever seen. He has consulted with several different pathologists, here, Shands, M D Andersen, and elsewhere, and all are in agreement on which course of treatment to take, so that's good. There is a very definitive treatment method, and they will be starting that aggressively first thing in the morning.
Dylan seems to be feeling okay right now. He was very sleepy while I was there, but he was still coming out of the anesthesia from being put to sleep this morning. He was hungry and complaining to Mom about what she was trying to get him to eat - so that's good typical 4 yr old behavior.
Please continue to keep him in your prayers. He's got a long road ahead of him! And thanks again for all the prayers, emails, etc. His mom was very touched to hear of all of your comments.
I can't imagine what they are going through right now. He is such an adorable little boy, full of energy, lots of grins!! He has no clue what is going on, is in no pain whatsoever, and actually is very ticked off tonight because they had told him he would be going home after he woke up from surgery. They will be doing an MRI in the morning to try to get a clearer picture of the situation.
Please keep this little guy and his family in your prayers. It's breaking my heart to think about what they are going through.
UPDATE: The doctors came in late last night and gave them the formal biopsy results. It is indeed malignant. They are still doing an MRI this morning, but then will be deciding which route to go from here. Thank you for all the prayers and kind words.
Here's the newest update. Lots of new info after my visit today. The MRI shows the tumor is in his ear canal growing DOWN into his eustachian tube, not up into the brain. That's good. However, it is large and rapidly growing. They are starting chemo immediately tommorow. Will be doing surgery in the morning to do the port for chemo and also will be doing a spinal tap at that time to see what, if any, brain involvement there is. They will also be doing another CT scan tomorrow, this time more of his chest area to determine how far down may be involved.
The doctor came in while I was there and told them kinda mixed news. They do know exactly what kind it is now - couldn't repeat it if I had to
- but that it is extremely rare. He had seen only 3 cases personally in 30 years - all above the age of 10. This is the youngest he has ever seen. He has consulted with several different pathologists, here, Shands, M D Andersen, and elsewhere, and all are in agreement on which course of treatment to take, so that's good. There is a very definitive treatment method, and they will be starting that aggressively first thing in the morning.Dylan seems to be feeling okay right now. He was very sleepy while I was there, but he was still coming out of the anesthesia from being put to sleep this morning. He was hungry and complaining to Mom about what she was trying to get him to eat - so that's good typical 4 yr old behavior.
Please continue to keep him in your prayers. He's got a long road ahead of him! And thanks again for all the prayers, emails, etc. His mom was very touched to hear of all of your comments.
