The Zim Family Cocker Spaniel Forum

Some good friends of ours just found out yesterday night that their 9 year old son has a brain tumor...he will be undergoing surgery tomorrow (Wed. 1/5). We spent NYE with this family and we could all tell Mitchell was not his usual happy self...he had been suffering severe headaches and nausea for about a month and tests were all coming back normal until the CT scan on Monday night. He is a really great kid from a great family. I truly believe in the power of prayer and ask that anyone who sees this says a prayer tomorrow for him, his family, and the surgeons. The good news is that the tumor is in a very operable location...specifically asking for prayers that the surgery goes well, no additional tumors are found, and the tumor is not cancerous. Thank you all so very much!



I will start with the good news...Mitchell is out of surgery and is doing well...they hope to bring him out of sedation and remove his breathing tube in the next few hours. The MRI showed no additional tumors and the surgery went very well. The surgeon is confident he was able to remove the entire tumor and the surgery went more quickly than expected. The bad news, however, is that the tumor was cancerous. I believe it is called a medullablastoma (?) and Mitchell will begin to undergo chemo as soon as the surgery site heals, probably in about two weeks. Not the news everyone was praying for, yet we are confident that continued prayers will help carry Mitchell through...the silver lining to the dark cloud is that the survival rate for this type of cancer is 80 to 90%. Your continued prayers would be so much appreciated...that Mitchell comes out of the sedation well and heals quickly, that the surgery did not do any permanent damage (there is a possibility of some coordination, balance, and swallowing issues which are difficult to think about for this very athletic little boy), that any necessary physical therapy will go well...and of course the chemo will bring a complete cure for Mitchell. The family has said numerous times that throughout the day, though excruciatingly tough and draining, they felt surrounded at all times by love, prayers, and support. Thank you forum friends...I know you were a part of this!

Mon. Jan 24
Just wanted to stop in and give an update on Mitchell's progress after his brain surgery. HE CAME HOME THIS PAST FRIDAY!!!! After only two weeks in the hospital and one week at a physical therapy and rehabilitation center, Mitchell is back home where he belongs and the family is together again! Mitchell still needs daily outpatient physical therapy to regain strength and motion on his right side (good news-he's left handed) and also for some weakness in his right eye...but he is really making progress. From bed to a wheelchair to a walker to a cane all within two weeks is pretty impressive! He will be starting 18 months of pretty intense chemo and radiation soon and the physical therapy is exhausting, but he is really hanging in there and making us proud! Your prayers are still much appreciated as he and his family face the new hurdle of beginning his treatments!

Prayers are coming from SoCal! Bless his heart. Warm hugs are also being sent.

My son is also nine.... needless to say... prayers being said!

Dear Heavenly Father,

Heavenly Father you know the fears and anxieties of these parents and this boy. I pray that you will wrap your loving arms around them and strengthen their faith. Be with those who support and comfort them... help them to know when to speak and when to be silent. Grant them the right words to encourage this family when needed. Give to them your peace that passes all understanding.

I praise you that you have gifted us with the medical technology to be able to diagnosis and treat this young boy. I pray that you will guild the surgeons hand as he operates tomorrow. Help him to be skillful and careful in his work. I pray that, if it is your will, that this tumor would be removed completely, and be found to be free from cancer and that this boy would make a full recovery.

I pray and ask all this is the name of your Son. Amen

sending prayers

Sending prayers for this special little boy.

Good thoughts and prayers for a successful surgery with non cancerous tumors...

Prayers coming from my family

Many many prayers being said for this little guy and of course praying for his family.

Prayers and positive thoughts for this precious little boy and his family.

My granddaughter is nine also. Very big prayers are on their way and "all will be well".

Adding prayers for this little boy and his family.

Huge prayers for this little boy that his surgery is a success and no other cancer tumors are found

My son is 41 and dealing with a brain tumor for seven years (two surgeries and one year of chemo). My prayers also for this child and his family. God bless them.

I am adding my prayers as well.

Marsha

Prayers being said for a COMPLETE healing

Rest assured of my prayers for him and his Family. I believe in the power of prayer. I will storm heaven with prayers for him.

Continued prayers

Prayers are on the way. Brain tumors are close to my heart as my mom passed of a Glioblastoma Multiforme 11 years ago. The technology and treatments have improved greatly. Is amazing how kids have such tenacity that they can rebound back. Remind this family of the great service and treatments St. Jude hospital provides without any cost. My prayers are for him, his family and everyone involve in his care.

Stacy: I will continue to keep this family in my prayers. If he does come to St. Jude (Memphis), know that it is an excellent hospital with the best research and surgeons. If I can help in any way from here, please let me know.

Sending "positive" Prayers for a quick recovery, strength, endurance and love.

debbierg

Thank you all for the prayers. Luckily, we have the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital right here in Grand Rapids where we live, which has been such a blessing so the family can be in constant connection with family and friends. Although they have been pretty much living at the hospital, it is nice to be close to home and have so much help from family and friends with meals, child care (they also have a 12 year old and a 4 month old baby), transportation, etc.

Update added to original post...prayers are still very much appreciated!!

Bless his heart for having to go through this horrible ordeal. So happy to see that he is doing much better and many prayers will continue for the little guy and his family.