News from Neurosurgery
Today was a big day for Brock because we had our follow up with neurosurgery to discuss the results of Brock's MRI from last week. Our conversation went like this-
Dr- How is Brock?
Me- You tell me...
Dr- His hydrocephalus is worse
Me- I know...
Dr- You've seen the scans?
Me- I got them on a disc before leaving radiology and looked at them as soon as I got home. I've also read the radiologists report that was published to his myChart.
Dr- So you also know hydrocephalus only gets worse for one of two reasons at this point. One: because the brain is rotting, or two: because his brain is making more csf fluid than it can absorb.
Me- Uh, I didn't know that, but now I do. So, which one is it?
(More conversation)
Dr- Well, his skull is still growing at a normal rate and he is still on the same bell curve so I don't think it's rotting. At the same time, he is showing no signs of pressure and no consistent accumulation of fluid/growth of ventricles. So, this isn't a textbook case and it leaves me somewhat puzzled.
Me- So where do we go from here?
Dr- I will leave the final decision up to you, but he could certainly be the recipient of a shunt based off the measurements of the ventricles.
Me- What would you do it it were your son?
Dr- That's really hard to say because it's not black and white. We don't know if it will continue to get worse or if it will get better. I would put the shunt in because any pressure will only kill more brain cells.
Me- But it is a possibility for it to get better?
Dr- I've been at this long enough to never say never. With cases that aren't black and white, some people choose to wait and some go ahead and place the shunt. I can ask a colleague what they would do
If you'd like- I hear one in the hallway.
Me- Absolutely! (Opens door, calls out to him, he examines Brock and we all go to her office and view Brock's scans. He gives his advice and our dr smiles.)
Dr- So I guess I know what we're doing?
Me- As long as you feel like we are safe to wait.
Dr- See you in 2 months.
So, we will repeat the MRI scans and come back to visit with Dr. Price in July. Until then, we are FREE!!! (Unless Brock shows any symptoms of pressure- fussiness, vomiting, looking down, etc.) If you can't tell by the dialogue, it was an appointment that was an emotional roller coaster. I thought at the beginning we were getting possibly worse news than even a shunt. Brock still needs prayers- lots of them. I am so thankful for our doctors who are patient with us. While she does hundreds of surgeries a year to place shunts, there is nothing "routine" about brain surgery on your child. More than anything, we want Brock to be healthy and happy- and if he needs a shunt for that to happen, so be it. Leaving a little more time for hopefully a more clear answer of what Brock needs (or doesn't need). Thanks for the prayers- and for our wonderful church family who is still taking turns bringing meals on Thursdays. I came home to a fully cooked, delicious meal. We are so blessed.
Dr- How is Brock?
Me- You tell me...
Dr- His hydrocephalus is worse
Me- I know...
Dr- You've seen the scans?
Me- I got them on a disc before leaving radiology and looked at them as soon as I got home. I've also read the radiologists report that was published to his myChart.
Dr- So you also know hydrocephalus only gets worse for one of two reasons at this point. One: because the brain is rotting, or two: because his brain is making more csf fluid than it can absorb.
Me- Uh, I didn't know that, but now I do. So, which one is it?
(More conversation)
Dr- Well, his skull is still growing at a normal rate and he is still on the same bell curve so I don't think it's rotting. At the same time, he is showing no signs of pressure and no consistent accumulation of fluid/growth of ventricles. So, this isn't a textbook case and it leaves me somewhat puzzled.
Me- So where do we go from here?
Dr- I will leave the final decision up to you, but he could certainly be the recipient of a shunt based off the measurements of the ventricles.
Me- What would you do it it were your son?
Dr- That's really hard to say because it's not black and white. We don't know if it will continue to get worse or if it will get better. I would put the shunt in because any pressure will only kill more brain cells.
Me- But it is a possibility for it to get better?
Dr- I've been at this long enough to never say never. With cases that aren't black and white, some people choose to wait and some go ahead and place the shunt. I can ask a colleague what they would do
If you'd like- I hear one in the hallway.
Me- Absolutely! (Opens door, calls out to him, he examines Brock and we all go to her office and view Brock's scans. He gives his advice and our dr smiles.)
Dr- So I guess I know what we're doing?
Me- As long as you feel like we are safe to wait.
Dr- See you in 2 months.
So, we will repeat the MRI scans and come back to visit with Dr. Price in July. Until then, we are FREE!!! (Unless Brock shows any symptoms of pressure- fussiness, vomiting, looking down, etc.) If you can't tell by the dialogue, it was an appointment that was an emotional roller coaster. I thought at the beginning we were getting possibly worse news than even a shunt. Brock still needs prayers- lots of them. I am so thankful for our doctors who are patient with us. While she does hundreds of surgeries a year to place shunts, there is nothing "routine" about brain surgery on your child. More than anything, we want Brock to be healthy and happy- and if he needs a shunt for that to happen, so be it. Leaving a little more time for hopefully a more clear answer of what Brock needs (or doesn't need). Thanks for the prayers- and for our wonderful church family who is still taking turns bringing meals on Thursdays. I came home to a fully cooked, delicious meal. We are so blessed.
Stay in the know. Sign up to receive email notifications the moment new Journal entries are posted
Comments (6)
We've all been blessed by the Morrow family! Our prayers will continue.
Prayers continue for your sweet family and Super Brock!
We will continue for prayers as you have requested. I believe Brock's beautiful smile is ever-present evidence that his life is in God's great big hands!
Know that Brock and your whole family remain in my prayers.
I am glad to know that Brock is doing so well. Although you are right that it would be nicer not to have one, shunts are really not that terrible.
Dear Lord, Please be with your Brock today! Amen!!