We got the results of the pathology on Matt's lumbar tumor today from Dr. McArthur. It is a Teratoma (see link below). This type of tumor is basically the wrong type of tissue growing in the wrong place. Teratoma was made famous is the movie "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" (see the second link below).
The teratoma is not cancerous and they are pretty sure they got it all. They also said it won't grow back. Teratomas are also fatty and can leak. There is a small chance that leakage from the teratoma is what is causing the irritation of his cranial nerves. It is also possible that the taratoma is completely unrelated to the cranial nerve issues. This uncertainty makes me think that they are ultimately going to want to do the biopsy of the cranial nerve area. If it happens, the biopsy will probably be done early next week. If we have to do the biopsy, Dr Olivi is probably the best doctor there is to do it safely.
Matt is going to have a tracheostomy tomorrow to allow them to remove the breathing tube and greatly reduce his sedation. We are looking forward to having him awake.
They started feeding him thru his j tube last night and his bowels are already moving (no fun for the nurses!!).
In non-medical news:
Matt's computer problem was caused by failure of his wireless card. We solved this by purchasing an external wireless adapter so we are back in business.
I am going to stay here in Baltimore thru the end of next week. My mom is then going to come up for a week or two then we'll see how much longer we need to be here.
We're going to look at the Ronald McDonald house tomorrow. If it works out, it will be a lot less cost than the place that we are staying now. Though nice and very convenient (5 minute walk to Matt's room), the daily cost ($130/night) is not sustainable in the long term financially. One way or another, God will provide.
Links (you'll have to copy and paste them in your browser):
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teratoma
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UfE8CA8EJWA
http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/tracheostomy
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thank God everything is working out so well. its almost like you can know that He is there guilding those doctors. this is the best thing that could have happened to have matt there. still praying hard.
ReplyDeleteGood news about the tumor. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteKate
I'm thanking GOD for the good news! Praying for more.
ReplyDeletedm
Hey Johnny and Noel and family...
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to let you know that your family in Waveland is praying for you and especially for Matt. We have been following this blog. We will continue to pray for all of you... We love you.
Monica
Great to hear about Matt's progress. We are sharing the news with our cadets and keeping you all in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteLt Col Tom Nowak
LA-081