His symptoms from this tumor are increasing. Originally he had tinnitus (ringing in ear) and some hearing loss in right ear. Now, Derek's face is starting to feel funny (facial paralysis is one of the symptoms of tumors in this area, as well as a possible consequence of surgery) and having a hard time chewing and closing right eye, and having a hard time walking. Derek is having more pain in his ear now, too.
Derek, Leann and Mom Sauder drove to Mayo today to get another opinion. The tumor has definitely grown, as it is now visible in the ear canal, which was not on Monday (at least their other doctor never mentioned it).
The Mayo doctor agrees that the tumor has originated in the ear, but feels it is very fast growing. He does a lot of surgeries in this area of the ear to remove tumors, but most of them are rare and there are many different types he sees. At this point he has not ruled out infection, lymphoma, benign, or cancerous processes. Because the various possibilities could lead to totally different treatments, and because it is progressing rapidly, he is going to take a biopsy tomorrow by going into the mastoid bone of the skull behind Derek's ear. This will be enough tissue that they can do adequate pathology to determine what it is. This biopsy will be an outpatient procedure if it goes as planned.
If surgery is the next step, they would try to schedule it in the next 1-2 weeks.
Please continue to pray that this tumor is not cancerous and radiation treatments will not be necessary. We are thankful that he is in the hands of the Great Physician. Please pray for healing and skillful procedures.
Thank you!
1 comment:
I've been praying and will continue to do so!
I will keep praying that this is not cancerous and also that whatever the outcome, God will give clear, peaceable direction for them to take. I can't imagine having the possibility of facing these decisions. More reminders that our times are in God's hands and HE is completely and wonderfully sovereign.
Post a Comment