Washington and Lee Men's Lacrosse Team
Adopted: March 2008
At 4 years old Drew was diagnosed with a highly aggressive, adult brain tumor, rarely seen in children. The name of this beast is a Glioblastoma Multiforme. We were told to go home and enjoy our time of 5 – 12 months. I am happy to say it has been 4 years and Drew is doing well. Drew is a very loving and fun child. He has never met a stranger. Drew loves everyone he meets. He is known to shower everyone with his love, hugs and kisses.
On April 22, 2004, Drew was diagnosed with brain cancer. On the 26th he had a 2 ½ hour surgery to remove 98% of the tumor. The surgery went well and Drew recovered quickly. We noticed his right arm and leg were weak and he had less movement control. He would drag his right leg and was no longer able to write with his right hand. The limbs got better in time, but not fully controllable. Drew had to learn how to use his left hand with his right hand as assistance.
Drew was entered into Clinical Trial #ACBF0126 – Phase III. The trial included 33 radiation treatments, 42 days of Temodar (chemotherapy) with 10 additional rounds, 5 days on and 23 days off, at a higher dosage. He handled this treatment fairly well. He had some pain issues and was tired. His nausea was kept under control with Zofran. His blood counts were low but never low enough for a blood transfusion. On April 26, 2005, Drew completed the last round of chemo required for the clinical trial. As of, May 23, 2005, Drew has completed the treatment portion of the clinical trial. The MRI’s have shown no evidence of disease.
In April 2007, Drew started presenting symptoms of tumor recurrence. He complained of headaches and would vomit, occasionally. Again, there was no rhyme or reason, only that he would be sick at the same time, 9:15 AM. We had an emergency MRI performed. It showed a new area of concern. This area was not in the tumor bed and it was not in the form of a mass, but more like a coating. After much deliberation, it was decided that the area was probably radiation necrosis (damage from the radiation). The only known treatment was steroids (Decadron) to manage his symptoms and Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments.
Drew started 60 Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatments at Duke University on May 30 and completed July 3, 2007. It was an amazing experience. Drew’s right hand and leg/foot showed tons of improvement. Both had almost normal control and mobility. The MRI on July 5 showed great improvement. Drew was off the steroids and no longer having any kind of symptoms.
Unfortunately, the MRI on October 1, 2007 showed a tumor in the original tumor bed. Since the mass was in the original tumor bed, a void, Drew was not experiencing symptoms because the tumor was not putting pressure on his brain. After much discussion and a second opinion, Drew had a follow up MRI on October 15. The tumor had nearly tripled in size. Drew was scheduled for surgery on October 31, 2007.
Drew’s surgery went well. The tumor was completely removed. The surgeon placed 3 Gliadel Wafers in the tumor bed. The pathology confirmed it was, again, Glioblastoma Multiforme. In December Drew’s chemotherapy, Temodar, treatment started. He is scheduled for 5 days on and 23 days off. The only effects of the tumor and surgery have been that his right hand and foot are more difficult for him to use, but still strong and usable. His last MRI on April 16, 2008 showed no evidence of disease. We are still discussing and researching treatment options. For now, he remains on Temodar and will continue to be monitored closely.
Drew continues to take a large amount of supplements and is on an organic diet. He has completed one session of intensive physical therapy and continues to get acupuncture. He has recovered well from his last surgery and is doing most things that normal 8 year olds do. Because of the chemotherapy, he is more susceptible to illnesses. Therefore, Drew continues to have homebound school instruction and minimal public exposure.
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