First, I guess I forgot to update about the hearing exam. The audiologist at Loopers Speech and Hearing used a machine to test Manny's hearing. It went very smoothly and Manny was really cooperative. According to the instrument his hearing is normal. Thats good news.
Today we went back down to Dr. Reisners office. Dr. Reisner showed me the MRI. He said that besides the first tumor, there are several spots that are insigificant but consistent with NF1. Also, he has another significant tumor high on the base of his spine/neck area. This tumor protrudes from the spine however is located outside of the spinal column. At this time the tumor is not putting pressure on his spinal chord or causing any of his issues. In fact, he says that there is nothing visible on the MRIs that explain Manny's developmental delays.
These tumors are presumed to be benign. The only issue would be when/if these tumors grow and begin to put pressure on the spine or other organs. We will see an oncologist in the next 6 months. Dr. Reisner has ordered another MRI in 9 months time, and this will be reviewed by a multiple discipline team of doctors. We want to see if the tumors grow and how fast. There is no way of knowing if Manny will develope no more tumors, a handful, dozens or thousands. Thats just the mystery of this disease.
More than likely Manny will need an MRI every year to check the growth of these tumors and to check for more. I can't remember right now if there was anything else. I'm kind of tired.
On a happier note, last Wednesday Steve came home and surprised me by saying that we were going on a family vacation to the beach! We are leaving Saturday for an entire week. I am very very much looking forward to spending this time with my family and some friends too. It will be a much needed rest.
