Journal entry by Nicole Pitts —
These past two weeks Gunnar has had a few appointments and we have a slight update on his status.
It started with a 2 hour long sedated MRI that took place in three parts and included the spinal column. Followed by appointments with oncology and neurology.
The good news is Gunnar's spinal column looks great and there are no concerns.
The not so good news is that the MRI showed some kind of bloody mass in his brain where the tumor was. The MRI included contrast so they're fairly certain it's not leftover tumor but aren't 100% sure what it is. It very possibly could just be a leftover hemorage from surgery. We're hoping his body will simply reabsord the blood.
It's a wait and see kind of thing so as long as Gunnar continues to be pain and headache free we wait for the next appointment.
Which means instead of "you're in the clear, see you in a year," it's see you in 3 months for another sedated MRI with contrast and a more robust meeting with oncology and the neurology surgical team.
Please please please keep Gunnar in your prayers 🙏
I can't let my mind think about what it might mean if it's not gone (or smaller). I really try to look at the bright side through all of this but right now I'm in the frustrated/mad phase of the grieving process. I just wish we could have had an all clear report. ☹️
So... in the spirit of positivity we did have a good report on his recovery. Both oncology and neurology said Gunnar is doing exceptionally well for only being 3-4 months into his recovery. It was nice to hear and a helpful reminder to give Gunnar the patience he deserves.
He was also cleared for non-impact sports which means he gets to start baseball soon! Football and dirtbikes will just have to wait a little while longer...
Gunnar did also get to shoot in the NASP State Archery Tournament. He didn't do as well as he wanted but when I reminded him that only 3 months ago he was learning how to walk he felt a little better.
Please again, keep us in your prayers 🙏 That's all I have for now.
It started with a 2 hour long sedated MRI that took place in three parts and included the spinal column. Followed by appointments with oncology and neurology.
The good news is Gunnar's spinal column looks great and there are no concerns.
The not so good news is that the MRI showed some kind of bloody mass in his brain where the tumor was. The MRI included contrast so they're fairly certain it's not leftover tumor but aren't 100% sure what it is. It very possibly could just be a leftover hemorage from surgery. We're hoping his body will simply reabsord the blood.
It's a wait and see kind of thing so as long as Gunnar continues to be pain and headache free we wait for the next appointment.
Which means instead of "you're in the clear, see you in a year," it's see you in 3 months for another sedated MRI with contrast and a more robust meeting with oncology and the neurology surgical team.
Please please please keep Gunnar in your prayers 🙏
I can't let my mind think about what it might mean if it's not gone (or smaller). I really try to look at the bright side through all of this but right now I'm in the frustrated/mad phase of the grieving process. I just wish we could have had an all clear report. ☹️
So... in the spirit of positivity we did have a good report on his recovery. Both oncology and neurology said Gunnar is doing exceptionally well for only being 3-4 months into his recovery. It was nice to hear and a helpful reminder to give Gunnar the patience he deserves.
He was also cleared for non-impact sports which means he gets to start baseball soon! Football and dirtbikes will just have to wait a little while longer...
Gunnar did also get to shoot in the NASP State Archery Tournament. He didn't do as well as he wanted but when I reminded him that only 3 months ago he was learning how to walk he felt a little better.
Please again, keep us in your prayers 🙏 That's all I have for now.