Dana Farber Update

Last Thursday (Jan. 7) we visited with Dr. Mark Kieran at Dana-Farber. We went with the intention of learning more about their Pediatric Low Grade Astrocytoma Program. Luckily, Owen does even qualify for their program because he's not receiving treatment - hopefully he will never qualify! We did visit with Dr. Kieran just about one year ago when Owen was first diagnosed. He does not know much more now then he did then... perhaps he knows even less about Owen's condition... and for the first time in my life I'm thrilled with not knowing!


Let me explain... as long as the "tumor" does not grow, we will not know what type of "tumor" it is because in order to know the type of tumor a biopsy would need to be performed. We don't know the size of the tumor either because the tumor cells are intertwined with his healthy brain cells. We don't know if the tumor is done growing but I'm faithful that it is.

Unlike the opinion that we received from Yale, Dr. Kieran is not convinced that the brain tumor caused the hydrocephalus - perhaps the tumor was just discovered because Owen had the hydrocephalus, which is a common condition in pediatrics. He also said it may not be a "tumor" but rather a collection of cells that "copied" wrong during the multiplying process and then stopped growing at 3 months when the brain stops growing. On the other hand, Yale is convinced that the tumor grew and caused the hydrocephalus.

Regardless, we may never know what Owen has exactly - and that is the hope. We do know that Owen is a strong little boy who is supported in continued prayer. Please know that Owen doesn't just receive prayers either - he's praying too! We pray for family and friends each night before bed as well as read prayers from his favorite prayer books. He now simply says, "God, Amen" and perhaps at times that's all we need to say.