"Allowing for differences in technique, there has been no significant interval change. Again noted is the expansile lesion involving the left cerebellar flocculus and inferior aspect of the left middle cerebellar peduncle. the well defined rounded focus of T1/T2 prolongation in the most inferior portion of the flocculus which measures approximately 8 mm in diameter is unchanged in size and signal characteristics. There is unchanged more expansile T2 prolongation in the flocculus/middle cerebellar peduncle further superiorly. This latter component does not demonstrate postcontrast enhancement and is consistent with nonenhancing tumor while the more circumscribed inferior component shows faint heterogenous enhancement best appreciated on the postcontrast spin echo images. Facilitated diffusion is seen within the lesion, and there remains no restricted diffusion associated with this lesion. Again, there is no significant mass effect on the adjacent structures. "
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| Cross section of the cerebellum |
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| It's tucked in there pretty deep. |
I'm off to bed to try to get some rest and psyche myself up for tomorrow. I hope Adam and I will be able to tackle whatever news we receive....
Chrissy
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for posting this information. Don't want to overwhelm you and Adam with questions, but want to know everything I can about Ethan's diagnosis and treatment. It goes without saying that if there's anything I can do - research, find clinical trials, ask questions to my MD colleagues or just commiserate - let me know! Love you all, Jacque
Hey Jacque.... somehow I missed your and Joe's comments. I'm happy to post anything that keeps you guys in the loop. I'd be happy to answer any questions the two of you ever have. I actually planned on giving you a call this morning. Adam gave me your cell phone number, so I'll call later on. Thanks for the help. In fact, I believe UCSF is really one of the best hospital in the country as far as pediatric clinical trials. But's let hope it doesn't come to that. :(
DeleteI do plan on making sure that they genetically test this tumor. I think that's a starting point when it comes to some of the clinical trials. You may have read some information of the BRAF gene mutation. If it comes back as positive for the BRAF gene mutation, that's to our advantage - I hear they are having a lot of success in some of the clinical trials with targeting that mutation.
My major concern at this point is the hand tremors or any side effects of the resection. I worry that we haven't gotten a second opinion too. I did get on the phone yesterday with Dana Farber in Boston. I am going to try to get his MRI films put on a disk and overnighted up there this week. They seemed optimistic that they could review his case and hold a phone consult with us prior to this surgery.
This morning has not been one of my better mornings. It comes and it goes. Ethan was lying in bed with bed with me this morning. (He slept with me last night) and I saw the sun was up, so I told him... "you can go down and watch tv if you want bug, I'll be up in a little bit." and he said, "No, I just want to spend my time with you." It kills me that he has to go through this. Really really kills me.
After talking to Adam today I forgot to ask him about what is expected for recovery period for Ethan. Where you able to have that conversation with the surgeon? Love, Grandpa/Dad/Joe
ReplyDeleteHey Joe,
DeleteSo Ethan will be in the hospital for 4-5 days if all goes smoothly. Afterwards, he will be recovering at home for 7-10 day before he can return to school. If there is any need for PT/OT, they will begin that during his hopsital stay, and I assume will continue on an outpatient basis. So.... that's all we know right now. Be good to see you guys soon.