Boston Recommendation

We finally received the recommendation from Dr. Kieran of Boston Children's Hospital. This week we learned that a 30-person tumor board reviewed Owen's films. The tumor board is made up of oncologists, radiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, etc. They also reviewed films of previous cases that looked similar to Owens. They feel that the tumor is either a germ cell tumor or a low grade astrocytoma. It is possible to diagnosis a germ cell tumor by sampling the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) because some germ cell tumors (not all) emit 2 types of proteins, AFP and beta-HCG. Therefore, Owen will have to have a spinal tap, which is scheduled for Tuesday morning at 9am at Dr. McNamara's office. They will sedate him and we're told he will not feel any pain or remember anything.

Germ cell tumors are very rare, accounting for 2% of pediatric brain tumors. The location of the tumor is even more rare - as germ cell tumors occurring in the thalamus (which is where Owen's tumor is) account for only 5% of germ cell tumors in the brain (60% occur in the pituitary gland and 45% in the pineal). I've talked to Dr. Kieran further about germ cell tumors and have done some initial research. Dr. Kieran said the good news is that these have a very high cure rate. Owen would really be 1 in a million with this type of tumor!

Please keep Owen in your prayers during this procedure. Also, please pray for guidance for Dr. McNamara who will be performing Owen's spinal tap and the nurses that will assist. Thank you.