Updates

Hi,

Here are a few updates on Quinton's progress. The final pathology for the spinal tumor is as follows: Pilomyxoid Astrocytoma -- a fast growing but fairly benign tumor. On a scale of 1-4, it's a 2. The spinal tumor was completely taken out, so the treatment for it would be to re-scan in 3 months -- probably no chemo or radiation. The doctors are really happy with this. Quinton is the 7th person in the world to have this type of tumor originating from his spine. Lots of people have had these in their brains and a few lesions leaking to the spine, but it's very rare to have the "mother tumor" be in the spine.

The baffling thing is what is in his lungs. The plan is to do the biopsy a week from Thursday, so exactly 2 weeks after the first surgery. All the doctors will be really anxious to find out what it is. We can't determine a treatment until we have a biopsy back.

In the meantime, we have to work with Quinton on learning to walk again. The therapist, in his initial assessment, thinks it will take a couple weeks as an inpatient here to be able to walk and perform daily tasks independently. He is eating from his elaborate "room service menu" which he can order from anytime (Q's friend Rhys was really jealous of this feature). He is doing much better now that he's off his IV medication. He joked around like our real Q today, so we were really pleased to see that.

While we may not be able to take him home for a couple weeks yet, we are really grateful for how well he is doing. Thank you a million times over for all the gifts and well wishes and prayers. We have a deep appreciation for all the support and love which have been poured out. We know your prayers on his behalf have strengthened him and comforted us in this difficult time. We know the Savior's atonement included this emotional and physical pain and acknowledge his gift in our behalf.