Tuesday, November 1, 2011, 5:23 pm

Update from Mom:

Mandy is having more pain in her back (partially from the lumbar puncture) and joint pain in her hips and knees. They gave her pain medicine that made her nauseous all morning, which was not fun on top of everything else. So we're trying milder meds, heat pads and other comfort measures to keep her pain under control. Physical therapy came in and got her standing up today (sadly, that is a big deal.) She can feel her legs, we just need to remind her brain how to make her them work. She needs more sleep and that just isn't happening.

We are still waiting for results from the blood tests they drew last night. But what we DO know is that they have found a lesion in her brain. They honestly don't at this point know what it is. They are discussing MS (Multiple Sclerosis) and lymphoma. However, her symptoms don't completely align with either at this point. MS would typically have multiple lesions in the brain. And MS doesn't generally present with bilateral muscle weakness with this degree of severity. They did a spinal tap. The first thing they were looking for was any kind of infection. Once we got the all clear on infection, they started her on high doses of steroids to see if that would reduce the lesion. They also sent the fluid for other tests which won't be completed for a few more days. If it's MS, there are certain proteins that will be present in the cerebral spinal fluid. It's not a definite diagnosis but it would provide another piece of the puzzle. The obviously frustrating thing is that there are no definite answers here. 

Obviously we don't want it to be lymphoma! That would require chemotherapy and radiation. There is talk of a biopsy. They have a consult with a neurosurgeon. We should see him tonight. We realize that there are SO many people who love Mandy and are so concerned for her welfare. We appreciate that so much. We are calling a family/friend fast tomorrow. We would be honored if everyone that can would join us. We will do our best to keep everyone updated. Mandy sends her love and appreciation for all the love, support and well wishes from all of you.
Love, Tami.