Nephew Shawn update II

On Tuesday, March 11, Shawn underwent a biopsy on the mass in his brain. The neurosurgeon did believe that the mass was a tumor and he was correct. Because they don't use the word cancer for brain tumors, it is a non-aggressive tumor (benign). Shawn will be undergoing surgery on Monday to remove the mass. The tumor is in the 2nd to worst area of the brain for surgery. The worst part would be your brain stem.... The tumor is so deep, that radiation and Chemo wouldn't eliminate this mass. From those who have kept up, the tumor is pretty much in the very center of his brain. It's pushing on his hypothalamus and petuitary gland (you can google those things and see where approx. it is). This will be a major surgery, but the dr is hopeful that he will be able to remove all of the mass. Again, because the tumor is so deep in the brain, even the MRI's aren't giving a clear picture of what it may be "grasping" onto, so that will be the tricky part during the surgery.

However, if there is good news to all of this it is that this is a benign mass (or extremely slow growing) and that the dr. is confident in his ability to remove it. Hopefully, having this thing removed will restore some function to Shawn. Currently, there isn't much happening. He doesn't walk, talk or feed himself. He is 8yo and wearing diapers again. MAYBE this surgery will allow his brain to feel "less stress" and start regaining some functions again.

I will keep everyone updated....