Mayo Clinic-Day 3

Mayo Clinic-Day 3 (Thursday October 19, 2017)
Well the madness continues! We woke up at 5 this morning but it was harder to get out of bed. We ended up rolling out of the bed around 5:30 and started getting ready. We had to be at the clinic by 6:55 am for a MRI of the spine. We went down and ate breakfast. I have eaten the same thing for days! I keep telling myself to eat something different but biscuits and gravy is so good and such a comfort! Anyway....we headed to the mayo clinic for the MRI and got there a few minutes late but they were very polite and let us get checked in anyway. We waited for about 20 minutes and then Brianna was called back. This exam was a bit longer than most of her other exams. This one lasted for about an hour and a half. I worked on the special video for Brianna while she was in her scan. Brianna came out and told me that her back was a little sore from lying on the table so long especially after her spinal tap. She also didn't like this scan as much because she had to be in the MRI longer and she was in there further which made her feel a little less comfortable. Dr. Flanagan wanted us to come and meet with him following the exam so we headed up to the neurology floor.

We were called back within minutes and waited for Dr. Flanagan which never takes too long. He went over the MRI with us as well as the spinal tap. He made a few calls to get some lab results as well. He informed us that there were no abnormalities with the MRI or the spinal tap. He then explained that these to exams ruled out MS and any autoimmune disorder. He then explained that this meant that whatever is going on in the brain is a tumor and that a biopsy was going to be necessary to determine what type of tumor and if it was benign or not. He also explained that the MRI of the spine showed a small nodule (6mm) on the top of Brianna's lung. In order to understand what this could potentially one must understand the different types or stages of tumors. A benign tumor is a mass of cells that lacks the ability to invade surrounding tissues. Malignant tumors is mass of cells that invades the surrounding tissue. When a malignant tumor metastasizes, cells travel to different parts of the body and begin to grow tumors there as well. Dr. Flanagan explained that the chances of the lung nodule being a tumor that metastasized to the brain but he didn't want to leave any stone unturned. He explained that a CT of the lungs needed to be performed in order to know whether there was any form of lung cancer but again he mentioned that this was a pretty low chance. However, if there is lung tumor, there would be a chance that what is going on in Brianna's brain may be involved with that. He ordered a CT scan of the lungs and that will be tomorrow morning at 10:35 am.

Dr. Flanagan then told us that he felt we absolutely needed to perform the MRI with contrast to get a better picture of what is going on. He decided to reach out to the Radiologist to get that scheduled in front of us and it turns out that at least 10 Radiologist have been discussing Brianna's case and trying to find the best solution. Dr. Flanagan, the neuro oncologist, neurosurgeon, and several radiologist have been going back on forth between a MRI with contrast versus a CT with contrast. An MRI doesn't produce any radiation because it is magnetic or rather it doesn't produce very much so it is safer than a CT scan which uses more radiation. However the contrast is completely different between the two and it was the contrast that was up for discussion. The radiologist stated that the CT with contrast would be much safer for the baby and the neurosurgeon decided that the CT with contrast would give him enough information to perform the biopsy. It was decided that a CT with contrast would be performed. Dr. Flanagan made some calls and told us that we needed to head down to the CT scan cause they were squeezing us in right after we left his office. Before we left, he told us that we shouldn't tell anyone but Brianna and the baby were the most important patients that he and the other doctors were trying to care for right now. That really made us feel special and we could tell that he was doing everything he could to help us receive the care that we are in desperate need of. I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Flanagan. He goes out of his way to help us anyway that he can. He knew that we would want results following the CT as soon as possible so he told us to come back following the CT scan so we could go over results. He constantly sees us on his schedule even though he is booked! What an amazing person to work with!

We headed down to the CT scan. I am typically pushing Brianna in a wheel chair because her right side of the body is only getting weaker and it helps her to be able to rest in between visits. Anyway, we got to the CT area and they pulled us back within minutes. We sat down and the nurse got some information. As we were getting ready, the radiologist that was going to read the report came into the room and talked to us about risk. He explained that this was a much better option for Momma and baby. He reassured us that they would put lead blankets over and around Brianna's abdomen in order to better protect baby. He really helped us feel better about doing the exam as well as feeling better that the CT with contrast was much safer. He told us that Brianna would have to sign a consent form in order to go forward with the scan. After he left, the nurse let us know that normally they give the consent form but the Radiologist wanted to come and speak to us directly and reassure us that everything was going to be okay. It was very touching. They took Brianna back for the scan and I had to wait in the lobby. In a split second she was out! She much prefers the CT because it is quick and doesn't make any loud noises haha. She let me know that baby was moving like crazy during the scan and she was happy to feel him moving so much! It is the simple things in life that bring happiness, joy and peace. We then headed back to the Neurology floor and the nurse, Mykala informed us that Dr. Flanagan would need about an hour for results and time to see us. By this point it was 12:45 pm and I quickly said "Does this mean we can go eat lunch! I am starving!" She told us to go and get food and then come back and Dr. Flanagan would see us at 2:15 pm.

We rushed down to the cafeteria! Seriously pretty hungry. Brianna was told that following the CT with contrast that she would need plenty of fluids. She got soup and pudding to help count towards that although I don't think pudding counts! haha. I told myself that I was going to eat something healthy so I got pizza. Real healthy right? Sometimes one needs a little comfort and pizza hit the spot. They also have this amazing Oreo pudding and I am sure that is very healthy! We simply sat there and talked with each other and just took a deep breath. After running around all morning it was nice to just breathe. through all of the stress and worry, it is nice to sit down across from my beautiful bride and spend precious time with her. I love spending every moment with her regardless of what is going on. When I am with her, I feel complete and I feel like we can do anything. We laughed and just enjoyed this brief moment in time away from all the madness. We called Watson during lunch and spent some time talking with him. It is so nice being able to use technology to see him and talk with him. We probably love it more than he does but it means so much to us to be able to see him and see his precious smile! We finished eating and headed back to Dr. Flanagan's office.

Dr. Flanagan sat us down and went over the the CT scan of the brain. He said the contrast showed exactly what they needed in order to perform the biopsy. He said that the image clearly showed that this was a brain tumor but they were still uncertain as to what type of tumor. Although a little emotional, we were glad to see that we were getting somewhere and still hoping that the tumor is benign and we sill be able to take care of this pretty quickly. He let us know that he was about to leave to Las Vegas to attend a conference but would be back on Monday to visit with us at 7:15 am. He apologized for all the early appointments but that was the easiest time to squeeze us in. The CT was scheduled for tomorrow but we didn't have anything else appointment wise for the rest of the day. We headed to leave and saw the gift shop so we decided to stop by. WAY TO EXPENSIVE! So we ended up just looking..... We headed back to the hotel and decided to rest. It is amazing how doing nothing but sitting all day makes me so exhausted. I know why Brianna is tired but I just sit all day. But I am glad that we are able to relax together. My coworkers decided to order some dinner for us which was so nice! We didn't have to go get anything for once and we were able to just relax. Dinner arrived at 5 which was earlier than we have eaten all week. Dinner was SO good! Tonight we just stayed in the hotel and relaxed and watched some TV. We also talked with Watson for a good bit and also talked with some other family members.

After talking with family members, I decided to show Brianna her video. Again thank you to all those who participated. It meant so much to Brianna. I have already posted on that experience and you are welcome to read that and watch the video below. After a long day it is time for bed. The only thing on the schedule is the CT of the lungs which isn't until 10:35 am. We finally get to sleep in. We are excited. I have turned off all of the alarms and we are just going to relax tomorrow morning before the exam.

Today I was reminded of how much our Heavenly Father loves us. He sent His son to overcome the world so that we could to. I was reminded of the power of the Saviors Atonement as well as His love for us. Brianna and I want each of you to know that we know that Jesus Christ is our Savior. We know that Heavenly Father is there. He hears and answers our prayers. Our Savior went suffered through His atonement so that we would not have to be alone in this life. We trust in Him and we know that through Him we can overcome all. We know that we are loved. We feel the love and support from each of you and we know that our faith is strong. Brianna and I both know that this is a precious opportunity to learn and grow and draw closer to our Heavenly Father. He knows us individually and knows our needs and He has not forsaken us. One of my favorite scriptures is from Isaiah 49:15-16. It talks about how rare it is that a mother with a feeding baby would forget her baby. Even though they may forget, Jesus Christ will never forget us as He has engraved us on His palms. We are not along through this. We know we have family, friends and even people we may not know praying for us. More importantly however, we know that Jesus Christ knows us and through His strength we can overcome this. We will continue to hold fast to the faith and put our trust in God.

Thank you again for your continued love and support. We will never be able to thank you enough. Until tomorrow.....