William was 4 months old when we noticed a little eye(s) shake, especially when he looked up to the right. Right eye did it more vigorous than the left. We were told to monitor it, for him to hopefully just need to grow into. At 6 months his Pediatrician referred him to an Eye specialist. It took 2 months to get in. Eye Specialist stated it was congenital nystagmus, no concern to do an MRI. With having medical background I questioned the importance that his right eye was more intense. He still stated he did not see a concern to do an MRI. A week after his eye exam he had an 8 month well check, his Pediatrician asked if we were okay with those findings and diagnosis. We asked for it to be confirmed with an MRI. She referred him to get an MRI August 9th 2024. Hours waiting after his MRI I received the results via MyChart. The radiology report stated; significant dilation of optic nerve C7 tortuosity of optic nerves. The differential diagnosis includes optic nerve sheath glioma, lymphoproliferative disorder, such as lymphoma or leukemia versus sarcoid or demyelinating disorder. When the nurse came in she "let us know doctor is waiting for results to be done and she will start on discharge paperwork" we were baffled and confronted her that we already read the MRI results and we need to speak with the doctor ASAP. She turned white as a ghost, ran out of the room. An hour later a doctor called us (while we were still waiting in hospital room), doctor stated he has no idea what our son has, no idea what the MRI results mean so we need to follow up with Oncology. August 21st we met with Children's Wisconsin Hospital in Milwaukee. They showed us his MRI, explained his tumors and how there's no possibility of a biopsy due to the risks. They said we "watch and wait" which consists of every 3 month follow up MRs and eye exams. In November William's Ophthalmologist (eye specialist) seen increase in atrophy on his eye nerves (increase in dying nerves). He told us we needed to start treatment right away to help preserve what eye sight he has left. William's Oncologist called and went over treatment options later that week. He started targeted therapy MEK Inhibitor Mekinist December 7th. February 28th William's 3 month scan showed significant growth with all tumors causing fluid and pressure build up. He had emergency shunt placement in the middle and right side of his brain that drains down his neck into his stomach which is permanent. Neurosurgeon said the left side will have to be done sooner then we will want. March 8th William experienced left hand/foot/leg weakness. We were told to go to Children's Wisconsin Hospital in Milwaukee ER. They admitted him. His MRI on the 9th showed all tumors growing more then the scan on the 28th. The tumors on the right and middle side of his brain are so big it they are pushing into the left side of his brain. His Oncologist came in Monday the 10th and went over the change in treatment plan. William received a port in his chest. Tuesday the 11th William got his first chemotherapy IV infusion of Carboplatin and Vincristine. Treatment plan is once a week infusion at Children's Hospital of Wisconsin in Milwaukee which is 2.5 hours away from home. William has many other appointments in Green Bay, Appleton and DePere. We figured for the best course of treatment for him is for myself, Mom, to stop working to be able to focus 100% on William getting the medical help he needs. William used to come to work with Mom, she was a daycare Teacher who loves all of her co-workers and adores all of her kiddos in her class as well as their amazing families! With being in a daycare every day, being exposed to sickness for William isn't an option. He cannot have a fever of 100.5 or has to be driven back to Children's Hospital for immediate attention. Along with that, he has many medications that are to help him with side effects from the chemotherapy drugs. William is only 2 weeks into his treatment and has significantly declined in his eating and drinking. We are working hard to offer nutritional foods and supplements. He just started an appetite stimulant to increase his food drive. This is the beginning to a long bumpy, curved road that can lead in many different directions. We have a wonderful support system, family, friends, and especially co-workers. We are beyond grateful for all the love, support, and prayers for our Little Warrior! This is a battle no child should have to endeavor, but he is a strong willed fighter and is battling this head on!
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