Conner's first appointment

Met with Dr. Hugh Garton, ped. neurosurgeon, and Dr. Patricia Robertson, neurologist/oncologist at the University of Michigan hospital. Overall a very positive experience. Dr. Garton looked over the CT scans, and did some reflex and visual testing on Conner. Both Drs agreed that we had time to perform other testing, and the neurologist said she wasn't altogether sure that the tumor was causing Conner's headaches, partly due Conner's mother having the occasional migraine, but she didn't entirely rule it out. She prescribed periactin for him, saying that this antihisitmine can often help pediatric migraines, and that if it didn't help, then it wouldn't hurt either.

We were supposed to see Dr. Muraszko, but I hear Dr Garton mention she was in a surgery that ran over.

Both a calcified mass and a cystic abnormality were observed. Dr. Garton ordered a hormonal assay done, and also a visit to a neuropthalmologist and an MRI. After those tests are done, treatment options will be discusses as well as the folks at U of M helping to facilitate a second opinion if we want one.

Conner was very nervous getting his blood drawn, but he held still and was very brave. I was very impressed with his stoic attitude, and he asked the neurosurgeon if he could tell him how big his brain was after any potential surgery he'd have.

Dr. Garton told me that they see some cranios at the U of M hospital every year, and that he usually prefers to take a less aggressive approach to removing the tumor, if it's possible to preserve the pituitary function and hypothalmus function, and then follow up with accessory treatments if needed. Once again, he said that what was needed now was to gather more information, and that the information gathered at U of M would be useful anywhere we went for a second opinion.

Overall, I feel much more positive about Conner's treatment now. Both Drs Garton and Robertson took the time to make sure all our questions were answered. Dr. Garton did stress to us that Conner will need periodic monitoring for the rest of his life, no matter what the outcome.

Overall I was very pleased with this initial consultation. It was very positive, and, even though I know we are nowhere near to being out of the woods yet, I felt a tangible relief.