Thankful for Stability

As you may have heard Owen's MRI went well last week. We received the best possible news, which is that Owen's tumor is stable. We still send his MRI to Dana Farber for a second opinion.

What does it mean when a tumor is stable? The following is from the Lahey clinic website, When a tumor is referred to as "stable," it means that the tumor cells are in a phase in which they have stopped growing or multiplying. Such stability may be temporary or permanent. When the tumor has actually been destroyed, and the area it occupied in the brain is composed only of dead tissue (necrosis), no new growth will occur. However, if tumor cells remain, it is possible that they will begin growing again at a later date.

The actual sedation process went very well. We were in the very capable and caring hands of Jeff, the nurse practitioner that I previously mentioned. He inserted Owen's IV with just one try - thank goodness... and then Owen was off to sleep. After the MRI he slept for an hour and then we took him home where the challenge of the recovery began. We were told that the effects of the sedation could last the entire day... and they did! He could not walk unassisted, which made him pretty mad! He tried to help him or sit with him but he was not having it... needless to say it was a long day but knowing that sedation is safer than anesthesia makes it bearable.

We have much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving and everyday! Owen is doing well and we have another bundle of joy on the way...