Nathan Kuder Nathan Kuder "Nathan the

On the morning of June 16, 2021 , we took Nathan to the pediatric ER at St. Barnabas in Livingston NJ. He had been having concerning symptoms for a week of increased vomiting, inability to eat, and strange eye movements. We had been to the pediatrician, GI doctor, and had an appointment scheduled also for a feeding specialist. I was concerned Nathan was getting dehydrated. The diagnosis of reflux didn't seem to make sense. I knew something else had to be wrong.

The ER doctor thought Nathan's head looked big so he did a cat scan. The scan revealed hydrocephalus and a large mass in the center of his brain. 

Fast forward, Nathan had a VP shunt placed that night, and has since been diagnosed with a benign pilocytic astrocytoma/hypothalamic optic pathway glioma tumor and Dicenphalic syndrome which is a result of the tumor.  A biopsy also revealed a BRAFv600e genetic mutation, commonly found in cancers and often in brain tumors. Since Nathan's diagnosis, he also has visual impairment, adrenal insufficiency, hyponatremia, and epilepsy because of the tumors location. Nathan is currently receiving chemo treatment.

This is Nathan's journey of his health updates. We thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support.
Blessings,
The Kuders