MRI results

Today Bree had her MRI test. Originally, she was supposed to have the bone marrow biopsy and the MRI done today but sadly, there were several scheduling problems with anesthesia so the bone marrow biopsy is set for next week (May 14th). (We actually found out this news on Tuesday of this week but were still hoping and praying that the bone marrow test would get done when we showed up today so I didnt post this news until now).

However, she still had her MRI done and we received some good news in that her tumor has shrunk down significantly! It now measures 7.3mm x 5 mm. That's about the size of your pinkie nail. Originally it was very large, starting in the left adrenal gland, reaching through vital organs like her liver, around her spine and pushing on her left kidney. So the fact that it shrunk down so much is very good news!!!

We still have more tests next week. She has the bone marrow biopsy and an MiBG scan that will tell us if the tumor that is still there has cancerous cells (neuroblasts) or if the tumor has matured enough into a benign tumor (ganglioneuroma). After these results the doctors will discuss whether her tumor should be removed through surgery, or if radiation is an option or better yet, if no surgery is required at all. We are obviously hoping that surgery is not needed and that the tiny tumor inside her would just be considered a benign tumor (non-cancerous). We hoped that it would be all gone but IF it is non-cancerous then even though the tumor is there, the cancer is gone.

So far we only have a small piece of the pie. We are still waiting on more blood results and urine sample. These tests show tumor markers and whether they are positive or negative for cancer cells. (We should know this info within the next few days.) Then, next weeks tests should give us the rest of the pie. Oh, I can't wait for the rest of the pie!!!

I've been asked by several people why we have to wait a week to do more tests and why we couldn't just do them all this week. One of the reasons is because these tests take a long time and the docs dont want to put Bree to sleep longer than necessary. Today her MRI took almost 2 hours (she is not allowed to eat anything at least 6 hours before hand - which is hard for a nursing baby!). The MiBG scan next week can be up to 2 to 2-1/2 hours as well as 30-45 minutes for the bone marrow aspiration (biopsy). Another reason we have to wait is this intensive MiBG test requires that Bree be injected with nuclear medicine. This nuclear medicine comes from Canada once a week, on Wednesdays, and they only perform the tests on Thursdays & Fridays. So, next week she will get the injection on Wednesday and Thursday will be her tests (requiring general anesthesia again).

We are excited for the good news today. I debated posting anything today because I know we still have more tests to come, more waiting to find out results. But, we know so many people out there are praying for Bree and we wanted to inform everyone of what is happening. We still have a way to go but are so grateful to the Lord for this first bit of encouraging news.

We are very anxious for the tests next week. They told us today that most likely we shouldn't know results of the bone marrow until the following Monday, May 18th. So, please keep the prayers for Bree coming! She is truly a strong little spirit that is meant for great things on this earth! Our love to all!