Needle aspiration/biopsy of son's brain

[pulisa]

Today's fresh scare is that even though the pathologist report on the biopsy says the mass isn't malignant, there is one number about the cells that has them worried. We have had 4 appointments in 3 days and are scheduled for surgery to remove it on the 2nd of the January. I so appreciate all of you. I fear I don't have your strength though. Bless you all.

There won't be a 100% definitive analysis of the mass until after it's been removed but it's very positive that the pathologist has rated it non-malignant at this stage according to the biopsy.
Keep Gavin well and away from bugs and infections because he needs to be fit to have his surgery on 2 Jan. Keep away from other people who have coughs and colds because you don't want to pick something up and pass it on to Gavin..It'll be worth it.
Sending you my very best wishes. Waiting for surgery is horrible but you just have to get through the hours until the op. Then of course the hard work is all part of recovery and getting better and stronger.

[j2]

A well meaning nurse tells me today that some masses can have both benign and non-benign tissue. I know she meant well, but I almost fainted. The biopsy had multiple samples and all were benign except one they think is benign but want to be sure. I was holding on to this initial diagnosis as things being benign but now I now know that this mass can have both types of cells and I am even worse than before. I am falling apart. I am no good to my son right now and he is the one facing this.

[NancyW]

This time of doubt and waiting is nothing short of torture.

I wish there were words to help but you will not be at peace until it's out and you have final pathology.

I am sorry you're going through this, it's gut wrenching to think about.

In my heart and with everything that's transpired to date, I know he's fine but it will be awhile yet before you will feel it and believe it.

You will be forever changed J2, this is a traumatic experience.

[Elsa_Alkaseltzer]

I’m so, so sorry. It astounds me what some people will say ... they clearly don’t understand how the anxious mind works. I almost fainted at an appointment last summer because of some unnecessary info the doc blurted out. You just wish you could hit rewind and not hear it. But regardless of what this nurse said today, your son’s results still are very, very encouraging. Her unintentionally careless comment cannot change the facts. I did a little Googling so you don’t have to, and most brain tumors are benign. Your son’s biopsies seem to confirm he will fall in this majority. I know uncertainty is so hard, but the odds really are in your favor. I look forward to this nightmare being over for you, and I’m so very sorry you and your family are going through this. Don’t be hard on yourself. You’re obviously a very loving dad. ❤️

[NancyW]

Thinking about you and your family J2, Merry Christmas from across the pond.

[LouiseAndy]

Thinking of your family and you during this Holiday season xx

[j2]

Thanks for the holiday wishes. Today's fresh hell is that Gavin is very likely to have a speech deficiency after his surgery. They are hopeful that it will be temporary but crap I am so tired of bad news. The poor kid just can't catch a break. Every time my phone rings, I have collapse on the inside.

[NancyW]

My son was likely to have permanent facial paralysis with the surgery to remove the tumor in his neck.

It did not happen.

[j2]

Nancy, thanks for the good news and I am glad for you and your son. I really don't know what I would do without you guys.

[MyNameIsTerry]

They will be preparing you for possibilities so it's very important to get out of them why they are saying these things and whether they see it as more than something they can treat.

When my cousin was in a specialist children's hospital for months with inflammation on the brain his parents were prepared for various things that could happen. The staff were brilliant though and supported them through stages that were frightening to any parent yet expected as part of the illness to the doctors. They had to prepare them for the potential of brain damage but it was so minor in the end that it never bothered him and nearly 30 years on he has a family of his own and a good management job. But just hearing those words evoked the obvious emotions as I'm sure the many things you are hearing do too.

I hope you receive all the support from everyone there is through this tough time. And I hope Gavin can have some distractions through the festive period so he can be a kid again and run about & play. Some laughter and good family scenes from Gavin enjoying himself will hopefully help you through this tough time.