Update: Back in New York
Well I should have waited before writing the last email….
We consulted with the doctors yesterday and they found a 4cm mass (neuroblastoma) surrounding the aorta. They said that this most likely is the original location of the tumor, as before they thought it was the spinal canal, when the 7cm mass was removed they are now able to see the area around the aorta. I am so confused because just yesterday they were debating on even doing surgery and possibly going straight to antibody.
The surgery is scheduled for tomorrow. The surgeon says this is a very serious life threatening surgery, more complicated than the brain due to the fact that if the aorta is clipped she could have excessing bleeding, causing fatality. the other risk is the some of the blood vessels that supply blood flow to the spinal canal are encompassed by the tumor. if these are the only supply to the spinal cord it could cause paralysis, which would no t be determined until after surgery. the surgeon said that most likely there are other sources to the spinal region, but he has seen both horrible outcomes happen. this is another time that we really need your prayers for a positive successful surgery, where they can remove all of this tumor.
In the past her surgeries have been the best possible outcomes, so we are praying that this time will be the same. They will biopsy the tumor tomorrow and if the cells are “active” then they are thinking that they will need to radiate that area. (meaning that we will only have 1 dose of radiation that is considered safe left). If the cells are not active then they will begin antibody.
Ralph flew to New York today and we will be in ICU for the next 10 days. Please keep paris in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow.