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Savannah’s Story

Site created on March 7, 2021

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On Friday, March 5th 2021, Savannah fell to the floor at work and had a lengthy seizure. She was taken to the hospital by ambulance and found out that she had a large mass in her brain on the left thalamus. Because of the location of the tumor it is too risky to biopsy and a special MRI was performed to determine the chemical make u of the mass. Today on March 7th, the results of the MRI show that the tumor is cancerous. Because of its location it is considered extremely rare and difficult to treat. A neurosurgeon here at Methodist hospital said that there are only a handful of surgeons in the nation who would have the experience and skill set to biopsy, resect it, or remove it entirely. Fortunately there is one at Mayo Clinic in MN that has performed such procedures on the size and location of this tumor. All of Savannah's images have been sent to this surgeon and once he reviews it over the next few days he will have a plan for her. We are hopeful that he feels confident enough to perform the surgery, dissection, or at least a biopsy of the tumor.

Surgery- would allow us to remove the tumor, tests its make up and then give doctors insight as to what cancer it is and the knowledge of what chemotherapy/radiation therapy would be best to slow the tumors growth

Biopsy- wouldn't take any out but it would allow them to at least know the makeup of the tumor and then what chemotherapy/radiation therapy would be best to shrink/slow down the growth of the tumor

There are two possibilities of the kind of tumor it is due to its location, shape, and size:
1. Pilocytic astrocytoma (What we are hopeful for!)
- often seen in children, and is almost considered benign because its very slow growing. Even without removal, this type of cancer would give her the highest level of quality and quantity of life
2. Glioblastoma- often seen in older adults, and is very aggressive and fast growing. With a successful surgery and chemo/radiation therapy, life expectancy is 15 months. Without surgery or chemo/radiation life expectancy is three months.

Savannah is home for the next few days and is oriented and in good spirits considering the situation. God made her a warrior! Please continue to pray for Savannah and her family (Emily (mom), Bobby(dad), Madison, Lucre, Alee, and Demi (sisters), Chase and Tristan (brothers), along with many other family members and friends who love her!

Newest Update

Journal entry by Alea Lause — Mar 10, 2021

Savannah had her visit with Dr.Daniels, a neurosurgeon at Mayo Clinic who specializes in grade 5 brain tumors. After reviewing Savannah's scans he was able to determine the following with confidence:
1. He believes it is glioblastoma
2. He believes it is grade 2 or 3 glioblastoma
3. He believes he can complete a biopsy of the tumor with minimal risk
4. He believes that removal of the tumor would be too risky and not an option
5. she will stay overnight after the biopsy
6. He believes the biopsy is necessary to determine treatment
7. a neuro oncologist will then take over her treatment plan
8. The treatment plan consisting of radiation and possibly chemotherapy will begin two weeks after the biopsy
9. Savannah is already on the schedule to start the process

They plan to leave on 3/11 to go to Mayo for her biopsy and should be home and getting results around 3/14-3/17. Radiation therapy will begin around 3/28. Her tumor requires a special type of radiation only offered at a few places in the country, Mayo Clinic is one. She will receive radiation treatment Monday-Friday for six weeks.

Savannah and her family are so thankful for all the kindness shown to them so far and say that they will definitely need that for the coming events.

Read More of the journal titled "March 10, 2021"

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