Latest results from 2nd MRI

May 21, 2009

NOTES OF MEETING WITH DR. CAMBRINE AT PRIMARY CHILDRENS HOSPITAL.

Kimi, Shade, Tristan, Jeannie and I met with the Dr. yesterday afternoon to discuss the finding from the MRI and CT Scan from last week.

1. The scan of Tristan’s complete spine was clear with no abnormalities.  Whew!

2.Tristan’s Brain stem tumor has grown 2 millimeters from 22.24mm to 24.24mm.  The growth occurred on two planes.  The growth is still perfectly symmetrical, the most symmetrical this Dr. has ever seen.   The tumor is also clear which I take to mean the same density throughout.

3.  The Dr. asked extensively about Tristan’s eye which stays out when he is tired.  He also physically examined Tristan by checking reflexes in arms and legs, strength in arms and legs, uniformity of smile on both sides of face and any muscle weakness in the face.

4. The Dr. said he was slightly more concerned about the Tumor because he did not expect it to grow as much as it had.  However, his increased concern was offset by no more frequent or longer duration of Tristan’s eye going out.

5.  He wants to do another MRI in two months, July 15^th, 2009.  This will be the same amount of time between MRI’s as just passed between the first and second MRI.

6.  If the tumor continues to grow at the same rate and there are no additional symptoms the Dr. said we may have to discuss the possibility of either operating to remove it or trying to shrink it through Chemo Therapy.  The Chemo would be a very mild type.  Before either was done we would consider a biopsy to determine the exact nature of the tumor and perhaps dictate the treatment.

7.  The tumor seems to be growing toward and pushing toward the side of the brain stem and moving nerve ending out of the way which might allow it to be removed surgically. 

8.  If the Dr. were extremely concerned he would not wait another two months to do an MRI.

9.  We should continue to look for the following symptoms:  headaches, difficulty swallowing, vomiting, face muscle weakness, difficulty with tongue.

10.  There is a chance the tumor will regress.  Often this happens when a child enters puberty.

11.  Although it has grown part of the growth could be because it is for some reason retaining water and causing it to look bigger than when previously tested.

12.  No sign  of Hydo cephalus.  In fact the risk looks significantly less since the opening has increased versus narrowing.

13.  I asked whether the growth was part of the natural growth of the brain.  The Dr. said the brain is fully grown at two years of age.

14.  Intermittant wandering of Tristan’s eye is good.  Would not be good if it stayed out.  The eye wandering is most likely caused by the tumor pushing against the nerve since it is located in that area of the brain.

15.  The reason the eye goes out when Tristan is tired is that the muscles that try to keep the eyes working together and the good eye tries to compensate and hold it in are weak when he is tired.

16.  Dr. and collegues still believe the tumor is benign.

17.  The symptoms we are to watch for are generally not subtle.  We’ll know.

18.  Kim asked if her fall and the mixing of blood platelets could have caused the tumor.  The Dr. said no.  This was not caused by something that happened during pregnancy. 

19.  The Dr. did not endorse but did not discourage homeopathic vitamins and minerals.

My feelings are that it must be frustrating for Tristan when his one eye goes out and he loses depth perception.  Anything we can do to keep him calm and happy should help reduce his stress and be better for him.  It is a good thing he has a mom and dad, grandpa and grandmas, aunts and uncles and cousins that treat him so well and dearly love him.

Kim asked if I would give him another Priesthood blessing.  I told her I would be honored to do so.  Mom and I discussed fasting before the blessing for additional strength and to show our Heavenly Father our willingness to do anything to help Tristan.  I discussed it with Kim and she is going to talk with Shade and have us all fast together.  We’ll let you know when that will be and any other family members and loved ones are welcome to join us in the fast and prayer.