MRI Results

We were just informed that the MRI, like the CT, shows Brody's tumor has grown a little bit.   A new concern on this MRI is that the tumor is involving the psoas muscle, which is a muscle along the spine that goes into the leg.   This was not the case on previous MRIs and may be an explanation for the leg pain Brody has been having.   Also, the part of the tumor inside his spinal column (area within spinal column below the spinal cord) is just a bit bigger as well.

Neurology evaluated Brody today.  They suspect that Brody's pain in his left leg, lower back, and butt are indeed nerve pain and this is consistent with the MRI findings.  We are not sure of the plan yet of how this pain will be treated.  The neurology team will be talking with the oncology team who will also consult with the pain team and advanced illness management team. 

Brody's leg pain has actually not been much of an issue today though.  He only had one episode of leg pain overnight and so far today has not had leg pain.  KNOCK ON WOOD!  This is a great improvement in how Brody has been feeling the last couple of days.  Hopefully it doesn't become problematic again as we start making him get up and walk around etc.  He has gotten up twice today without major problems.  He did have some pain in his belly but did not suddenly start with the severe pains in his leg, back, and butt. 

Brody has been battling nausea today and has had a couple episodes of dry heaving.  He hasn't had anything really to eat of drink so there wasn't much vomit but certainly a miserable feeling to keep feeling like he needs to throw up.  He has been on scheduled Zofran to help prevent nausea and this continues for today.  He is now getting Phenergan too to combat the nausea.  This medication makes you extremely sleepy though.  Sleepy is far better than nausea though. 

We still plan to make Brody get up and take some short walks today despite the sleepiness.  We feel it simply has to happen for him to get better.  I don't think we will be able to have him take as many short walks as we had planned for him to do today though.  He has to get moving to open up those lungs again and help with so many other things too.

We still encourage Brody to drink or eat as he can tolerate.  With the nausea, we don't want to push it too hard.  But we will keep reminding him that if he can do it that's great.  And, we will be sure he understands this is something he needs to be able to do to be able to go home.  He, of course, would much rather be home. 

We are still pressing through things one step and one problem at a time.  Brody remains in good spirits still despite everything he is going through.  He is an amazing boy!