|
|
           
Updated 22 August, 2002.
|
The Story so far ......
December 20, 2000 - Megan was born a healthy 3.990 kg (8lb 14oz). January 25 - Megan was admitted to Monash Medical Centre with hydrocephalus and was scheduled for an MRI scan. MRI scan performed without a GA. Another scan scheduled for 29th January. January 26 - (Australia Day) Megan was diagnosed with a brain tumour. January 29 - MRI scan. Tumour approximately 3 x 2 x 1 cms. January 30 - Surgery to have bi-lateral VP shunts to reduce the pressure in her head. February 1 - CT scan to check shunts. February 9 - Brain and Spinal MRI performed as a baseline for commencement of treatment at Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne. Tumour approximately 5.5 x 4.3 x 3.2 cms. February 12 - Admitted to RCH - tumour described as "tripling in size" February 13 - Surgery to insert a central line. A central line is used for giving chemotherapy. 1st course of chemotherapy commenced. February 16 - Back into surgery to fix a leaking central line. February 20 - Third attempt at fixing the central line. February 21 - CT Scan performed. Life saving brain surgery to "buy Megan some time". Tumour was diagnosed as an immature teratoma. This is rare tumour especially in someone Megan's age. February 22 - MRI scan shows tumour 5 x 4.2 x 5.2 cms. February 25 - Planned brain surgery to remove tumour - 10 hour procedure. Approx 1/3 - 1/2 of the tumour was removed. February 26 - MRI scan. Unclear if tumour has grown. March 2 - 2nd course of chemotherapy commenced. March 15 - MRI Scan - results prove inconclusive as to tumour growth and the decision is made to continue with chemotherapy. March 21 - CT scan shows a build up of CSF. Surgery scheduled. March 22 - Surgery for a shunt revision. March 23 - 3rd course of chemotherapy commenced. March 26 - CT scan shows a marginal increase in tumour size. April 11 - MRI Scan - results compared with scan on the 15th March and show a small but definite growth of the tumour and chemotherapy is deemed ineffective. April 26 - Pre-op MRI scan. Compared with MRI scan on April 11. Tumour is 4.7 x 6 x 7.2 cms. April 29 - Planned surgery for the removal of Megan's tumour - 18 hour procedure. Megan goes to ICU post-op. April 30 - MRI scan shows a complete re-section of the tumour. No residual tumour visible on the scan. May 1 - Megan returns to the ward. May 15 - MRI Scan - results are inconclusive once again. A small section is highlighted on the scan with contrast and there is a question as to whether this is tumour regrowth or post operative blood. May 29 - MRI scan performed at 11:45. May 30 – A day we will remember for a long time to come. MRI scan was CLEAR! No TUMOUR GROWTH!!!! An eye test confirms Megan has some sight as she followed a light. July 31 - 3 month post op MRI Scan. August 1 - 3 month post op MRI Scan shows "no evidence of tumour recurrence". November 4 - 6 month post op MRI Scan considered STABLE. January 15, 2002 - Surgery to clamp bi lateral VP shunts.
|
