We met with Dr. Fuchs to go over the results of the MRI that Braeden had yesterday.
I wholeheartedly believe in Dr Fuchs and his skills. He performed Braeden's 10 hour brain surgery (along with 2 other brain surgeries) when he was just 21 months old and saved his life. I know that he will do all that he can for my boy.
Braeden's worsening hand weakness likely indicates that the tumor has grown. It just makes sense, right? (Initially, we were told the two were not related. How could they not be?)
The Bad News
The spot/lesion as previously discussed is now officially being called a tumor by Dr Fuchs. It was awful hearing that word, and even more awful to hear the word surgery. (I don't know what I was expecting to hear, I was just hoping it wasn't that.)
Dr Fuchs says is pretty rare to have a spinal cord tumor without there being "a source" to cause it. (meaning another tumor or type of cancer) And it's even more rare because the tumor is located inside of his spinal cord, not "on" his spinal cord.
Keep in mind, Braeden had a Craniopharyngioma when he was 21 months old. Dr Fuchs is adamant that this spinal cord tumor is not related to him having a brain tumor.
I wholeheartedly believe in Dr Fuchs and his skills. He performed Braeden's 10 hour brain surgery (along with 2 other brain surgeries) when he was just 21 months old and saved his life. I know that he will do all that he can for my boy.
The tumor looks to have grown a millimeter in the past month. Dr Fuchs can't be absolutely positive about the actual growth because the MRI's could be showing different measurements in "different sections" of the tumor.
I will attach a picture of his latest MRI, showing the tumor. Dr Fuchs described it being shaped like a "sausage".
Braeden's worsening hand weakness likely indicates that the tumor has grown. It just makes sense, right? (Initially, we were told the two were not related. How could they not be?)
Plans were made today to have surgery next Wednesday the 28th. There was a bit of planning involved to get all of the teams together.
Thankfully, they were able to get this accomplished today.
During the surgery, Dr Fuchs will be operating to remove the tumor at C6.
To do so, he will "be going into the back of his neck, and creating a door" in the area of C5, C6, and C7.
He will remove the door to get to the tumor.
He will also have a "nerve team" that will be there to apply probes to different nerves while he is operating to ensure he doesn't cause any nerve damage that could be avoided.
This surgery is going to be very tricky and take about 4 hours. The outcome depends on how involved the tumor is within the spinal cord. It's definitely not a "cut and dry" surgery. There are way too many variables that can define what happens during, and after the surgery.
I have already reached out to the school to let them know that Braeden would be out for a few weeks and to get the ball rolling on a "plan" for him to keep up with his work. Knowing Braeden as I do, I know he will be worried and concerned about missing school. Having a plan in place will help alleviate his mind, so he can focus on his recovery.
Prayers are greatly appreciated.
Prayers are greatly appreciated.
The Good News
Braeden is in good spirits and handling things well.
#BraedenBrave
#MrUnlucky
I have full faith and I believe in miracles. This boy is a miracle in every way. Love you all so much. Prayers will continue. 💕
ReplyDeleteThank you so much.
DeleteOh, Marsha, I can’t imagine what you and Breaden are going through. Prayers that God directs the hands of the surgeon and his team and the outcome will be nothing short of a miracle. I love you!!!��
ReplyDeleteThank you Kelly, love you too.
DeleteI am adding Braeden to our prayer list as my husband and I are part of the intercessory prayer team.. I so loved him as a child,,he was a very sweet boy and I am sure that sweetness as grown him into an awesome young man.. !!
ReplyDeleteThank you and the prayers are appreciated so much.
DeleteDear Marsha, I haven't seen you since your wedding, but have followed you on Facebook throughout the good and the bad stuff. You are all so Strong and Courageous. You all are an example to all of us. Prayers and good Karma your way. God is good and Gracious. He will guide the surgeon's hand and will give you strength in tackling another obstacle in your lives. You ARE always in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeletePrayers for Braeden, you and your family!!!! I love you!!!
ReplyDeleteLots of love and prayers for you and Braeden. He sounds like a really cool, brave kid and I will be thinking of him often sending lots of positive thoughts.
ReplyDeleteI will be thinking and praying for you. I am so proud of Bearden. Tough little guy
ReplyDelete