Michael started having left sided weakness, balance, nausea & vomiting, other behavioral changes including tics and slurred speech last summer. We met with a neurologist who ordered a MRI. This showed a lesion. We were sent to a hospital where we spent the next 2 weeks while many tests were done. We were sent home with an autoimmune encephalitis diagnosis and high dose steroids. For the next 3 months the steroids wreaked havoc on his body and his symptoms did not improve. A follow up MRI showed the spot larger. A biopsy was then done which confirmed the brain tumor Germinoma diagnosis in November of 2023.
Has had multiple lumbar punctures, MRIs, CT scans, ultrasounds, OT/PT, brain biopsy, port placement, finished 3 months of intense chemotherapy and radiation. He received whole brain photon radiation therapy. He rung the bell in early April!
My son has such a positive attitude, no matter how bad he feels, he still has a smile on his face. He is so caring and always thinking of others. He loves being around family. He loves music and he plays the drums, but hasn’t been able to since his illness has caused weakness in his left side. He will continue OT/PT once radiation is complete. He loves to cook. He wants to be a famous Italian chef one day!
Hope session by Fervent in Spirit Photography | Facebook | Instagram