Lynn’s Story

Site created on April 26, 2020

Lynn volunteered for an MRI on the morning of April 7th so the MRI Techs of her company could be trained on the new imaging units recently delivered.  Incidentally, a mass was recognized inside her spinal cord and required further review. After the MRI was read by local radiology and neurosurgery physicians, Lynn was quickly referred to Mayo neurosurgery.  A video appointment was scheduled with the Chair of Neurosurgery of Mayo for April 14th for consultation. 

On April 14th, Lynn was officially diagnosed as having an intramedullary spinal cord tumor extending from approximately C4 down to the lower side of T1 (about 7 cm).  The tumor is most consistent with ependymoma associated with a syrinx on both ends of the tumor.  
 
In retrospect, Lynn reported she actually has loss of temperature sensation in her hands and arms and doctors think it is fair to say that her disassociated sensory loss is related to the intramedullary tumor.

Mayo neurosurgery strongly recommended surgical resection of the tumor. Given Lynn’s young age, it untreated, the tumor is going to undoubtedly cause progressive neurological deterioration, and as this tumor grows and progresses, any function that is lost is unlikely to return. 

Lynn and her family decided surgery is most appropriate based on the recommendation of her doctors.  Surgery requires a laminectomy extending from approximately C4 down through T1. A spinal fusion will not be done at that time unless surgeons felt there was evidence of instability. Surgeons stated the major risk should be no greater than 10%, which does include quadriparesis and paralysis. Lynn will likely need physical therapy to maximize her recovery. Lynn will experience loss of sensation in her feet hopefully on a temporary basis and initially after surgery she will feel unsteady with walking.  Over time this would improve facilitated by therapy.

Lynn is scheduled for surgery on April 29th at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, MN.

Newest Update

July 31, 2020

Journal entry by Lynn Grimm —

I thought I better give you all an update!

Appointments at Mayo went well earlier this week.

Tumor is GONEZO😬 so that is the best news!

The weakness in my wrists and hands bothered the Docs a bit but after an EMG, it was determined that the issues are related to my spinal cord and not something else that was bothered during surgery.  

The numbness in my legs is goofy when more pressure is on my lower back so I will schedule a lumbar MRI back in Bismarck to rule out anything disruptive in my lower spinal cord.  

My next appointments will be a video appointment in December as long as I’m making progress and then back to Rochester next summer for a face to face again.

So, good appointments but a few more tests necessary.  I will have annual MRIs to monitor the tumor and spinal alignment for the next 10-15 years!

As always, thank you for the continued prayers.  I have to remind myself often that I’m only 3 months of 12-15 months into the healing process as I would love to be healed up completely!  I pray for patience and thank God for all the wonderful people in our life❤️  Thank you for your continued support.

Lynn, Dalon and the Grimm Kids❤️❤️❤️
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