Tuesday, June 21, 2011

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.

7 comments:

Jana said...

That is so great that he is doing so well. Despite the long road ahead, he has made great progress already!! We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. Let us know if we can help in anyway - especially with the girls.

Lyle Comte said...

I am deeply touched by the love and the strength of unified prayers and wishes going heavenward.
I am so proud of Quinton. Keep up the courageous battle! Onward and upward. I love you!!!!

Gingerlylizzy said...

So glad to hear that you had some good news for now and that he seems to be doing better! Way to be brave Q!

Hali said...

Glad to hear he's making good progress! You're in our thoughts and prayers.

The Wilson's said...

We are glad he is doing so well. We miss you guys and will be glad when you can finally come home:)

Marzan Mania said...

We're glad that he is making progress. Hopefully, you'll keep getting good news like this as things progress. I know Manny will be very happy to see him get better.

Michelle said...

Quinton is one amazing kid! It sounds like things are going just as they should. Good luck to him as he gets things moving again.