Ryder Brown

This Caring Bridge site has been created to help keep everyone updated on Ryder Brown.  We'll add continual updates as they become known and available.  Ryder is only 3 years old - soon to be 4.  He is one heck of an awesome kid with an amazing family.  Please know how much Mike, Sara, Emmitt, and all the family appreciate your prayers, thoughts, and support.   Here is where we are at this point:

Ryder had recently been experiencing some head pain and nausea.  Late afternoon on March 8th, a CT revealed a brain tumor causing pain and pressure build-up in his head.  The tumor is blocking fluid from releasing normally down thru his brain stem.  This causes pressure build-up as the fluid gathers with nowhere to drain.  After the CT revealed the tumor, he was immediately admitted to the ER and then the PICU at Akron Children's Hospital.  A procedure was immediately completed to insert a drain thru the upper back part of his head.  This drain allows fluid to be released and alleviate some of the pressure.  A breathing tube was also inserted and Ryder was placed on significant sedation to try and make him as comfortable as possible and prevent him from trying to pull out either the drain or the breathing tube.  Later in the evening, he had an MRI to show the doctors what was going on and prepare for surgery to remove the mass.

On Thursday morning, a team of 2 Neurosurgeons, an Oncologist, and 8 other medical team members met with the family.  The MRI results showed the tumor and fluid build-up in his head.  However it also showed an additional tumor in his lower spine.

WHAT IS NEXT - Surgery will take place on Friday beginning mid-day.  Once tissue is able to be pulled and tested, it will reveal the type of tumor and how to proceed.  They will also need to determine the attachment point of the tumor in his head - whether attached to his cerebellum or his brain stem.  The tumor in his spine will either be removed during surgery or treated during chemo and radiation.  Again, this will be dependent on the results of the tissue test.  On Saturday another MRI will be performed to determine if they removed everything as needed or if they need to go back in to surgery.

For now, we wait... Ryder is sedated and will be continually monitored.  A nurse is required to be in the room 24/7.  Mike and Sara are doing as well as can be expected.  Again - thanks for all your prayers.  We'll keep you updated when there is new information to share.  In fact, the next post will provide a link thru Akron Children's where you can send an E-card to Ryder and the family.  They print them out and deliver them here.   Mike and Sara have appreciated receiving them.