Friday, August 24, 2012

Update on Malaya - Birmingham Day 3 ... 2nd & 3rd Visit (Oncology & Endocrine) along with PRECAUTIONS

Oncologist - Alyssa Reddy
Her thoughts were overall on Malaya's blood work this morning, everything actually looked better, regarding the TSH levels. The white blood count was not checked. She did seem confident that regardless of the end result, treatment would come afterwards, either benign or malignant. Of course malignant would bring a more aggressive chemotherapy but even if it's benign, chemotherapy at a different type and level would most likely be the route she would go. Radiation is just to dangerous for a small developing brain as hers. She also stressed several times of the location of the tumor being a difficult place to be confident that it can all be gotten, due to of course the brain right above and all the main arteries, veins, vessels, etc. she went on to explain the 2 main arteries that come into the brain and that one appears to run right through the tumor. When I asked the size, Her assistant offered to pull out the computer screen in the room and show it to us. Jeff and I both, at the same time, without hesitation said yes. He told us you would be surprised at how many parents do not want to see. So for the very first time, we laid our eyes on this horrible monster that is attacking our sweet Malaya! I honestly believe that Jeff and I were able to be so bold and strong to want to see it because of all of you! It was like I was on the outside looking at us, thinking WOW, how are able to stand here strong and eager to see for ourself and try to learn new questions for us to have answered! All of you! All around the world that has posted...is exactly why! As she measured she said it was quite large ... 4x4cm! But the good news was there was literally no edema (swelling) all the way around it except a very very small place which she stressed was wonderful! During our conversations, Malaya laid there smiling at everyone the whole time. The doctor was amazed at how content she was and very much attentive of everyone in the room and understood what a shock this must be after hearing that this is and has always been Malaya's nature! Of course, details of anything else was encouraged to wait till after surgery until a more definite answer. She will also be sending us some really good literature to read before surgery.

Endocrine Specialist - Kenneth McCormack
He came in very very happy about her blood work. The elevated TSH is back down to normal. Which tells him she is in great shape, hormonal wise, for surgery. His view on the MRI was that there is a pituitary gland and the hypothalamus and the reading stated that it was "near or touching" the hypothalamus. This is located in the right frontal location. The things to look for that are essential for her care is that the 2 most important hormones are thyroid and cortisol. Cortisol being the one needed for many body functions. Malaya's is great but made us aware that all these levels can change drastically after surgery. But the good news is if there are changes and losses that it is treatable by medicine that Malaya would have to stay on. They will be studying very closely after her surgery.

PRECAUTIONS
The Dr.'s have advised us to be extra cautious with visitors over the next few days. We can not afford for someone to come in that might be sick or that has been in contact with someone that might have some type of virus or illness. Malaya's immune system is already weak, they say the tumor is most likely soaking up her energy. So we have to make sure we keep her well for surgery!
There's sanitizer, mask, gloves, etc outside the waiting area before you enter the floor she's on.  We know it's a long drive, so we don't expect a lot people to be here. However we don't want to discourage anyone that feels led to visit from coming as well. We just wanted to impress on those who are considering to be aware of the precautions they have told us. I believe we can all agree that we would not want anything to prolong surgery!

Thank you for all the prayers! Please please continue!  

Ingrid C. Wood

No comments:

Post a Comment