Our Journey Through Time

Brady's CT Scan and simulation for proton radiation therapy went very well yesterday! He had to be sedated for all of it so they gave him the gas. The game was to blow up the "balloon" as big as possible and after about 3 tries he was out. The anesthesiologist, Dr. Porche - like the car, was so sweet and very huggy! He was glad when it was over because that meant we were going to stop at ToysR Us for a small Thomas & Friends train then back to the apartment for lots of food and drink! He had to get breakfast finished by 8am and clear liquids by 10 am and nothing until after we were done! He wa a trooper though and wolfed down some pizza and juice! We got his radiation therapy schedule as well. He starts on Wednesday, May 4th at 9:00 a.m. and will go M-F for 6.5 weeks. The proton center is very nice and the actual treatment rooms are located underground, something to do with being so close to the ocean waters. I prefer the ground level waiting area because they play contemporary Chrisian music which I find inspirational. He isn't scared to go to the proton center either, probably because they have an upstairs play area and a downstairs play area! The staff is very friendly and attentive to their patients - especially children.


When we met with Dr. Grosshans on Tuesday he told us that Anaplastic Ependymoma is a rare tumor but it's not rare in these hallways. In fact there are 3 kids in for treatment right now with the same type of tumor. He feel very good about Brady and that the likelyhood this tumor returning is very low. He told us that he worries about 3 things when dealing with brain cancers - 1) damage to the Hypothalmus because of the location of the tumor and how close it was to this area. The Hypothalmus is responsible for many things one of those being learning. Brady may develop a learning disability from treatment. 2) Damage to the Pituitary Gland - from what I remember it controls all the other hormonal glands but I think he is most concerned with growing being inhibited. 3) Since Brady is getting treatment on his head his hair more than likely will fall out at the site of treatment. It may or may not come back and if it does come back it will take time for it to grow.

On the plus side Dr. Grosshans said that the other side of the brain will not receive any radiation because the proton therapy is so precise! This is good for so many other functions of the brain not be compromised!

Right now Daddy is with Brady at MD Anderson having a brain/spinal MRI lasting about 2 hours. Then they will see a Pediatric Neuro-Oncologist at MDA as well. He had to fast again this morning but will get something to eat before seeing the oncologist. Today was a little harder than yesterday being without food or drink so I know he will be glad to get a bite! These are the last appointments this week! The girls and I stopped in to Target for some hometown familiarity and are about to have lunch and a nap. :)