Eureka

OK. So!

The radiologist called the pediatrician last night (and then the pediatrician called me - literal Telephone) and explained that although they did not get as many views of Patrick's brain as he would have liked the ones they did get were fine. He said that he is 100% certain Patrick does not have a tumor in his head. So that's [understatement].

However what Patrick does have in his head are multiple pockets of significant infection. 

It was one of those conversations that I wish I could have had twice. All I heard was fear worry anxiety NO TUMOR birdsong rainbow lollipops. Then she mentioned infection and abscess and the need for something in a massive broad-spectrum antibiotic and I said GREAT! SURE! WHATEVER YOU WANT DR. NO TUMOR and she said she'd call in a day or two when she got the Lyme's results back.

After she hung up and I settled down I regretted not asking where and what and why and how. Like, in retrospect, I'm not even sure if Patrick has abscesses in his head (I think he does) or she was just worried that he might develop them. Also I want to know how his bloodwork looked because I am not sure how we are going to be able to tell in ten days if the antibiotics worked when his symptoms are so... erratic. It would be helpful to know if his CRP continued to go up. Well "helpful" for those of us playing epidemiologist at home.

I thought about the whole thing this morning and decided that it is something of a coincidence for Patrick (who contrary to current events is a pretty healthy kid) to wind up with two major bacterial illnesses (one which got him hospitalized; the other which almost got him hospitalized) two years apart but within an inch of each other in his body. You probably don't remember this but they wound up taking out his tonsils and his adenoids because those seemed like the likeliest places to be harboring the infection and although both the tonsils and the adenoids were swampy disgusting messes I almost wonder if some of the surrounding areas weren't affected as well. Maybe they've been affected ever since or maybe there is some structural issue that makes his head the Deadwood of fugitive bacteria? I don't know.

Anyway, following my Matlock-like hunch I called the office for the ENT who did Patrick's -ectomies and I lucked into a cancellation appointment to see her next Friday. He will just have finished his antibiotics at that point and it will be good to have someone look at him who has the capability to screen his head on the spot if needed.

So there it is. Patrick yet again has a mysterious bacterial infection in his head but this time it is - relatively speaking - really very good news.

Hugs and kisses. I am singing with relief over here. The unknown and potentially unknowable were killing me.

PS I read this over and I think I sound like a fool. I should probably clarify that my relief is limited to the fact that I was seriously concerned that we were dealing with a brain tumor. Relatively speaking an infection seems more easily managed than a mass. I'm still worried about my little sugarbeet.

Comments

[Kathy W.]

Good point, (a different) Julia! Here's hoping...

[Linda]

Fabulous news and massive understatements! I didn't think you sounded scattered at all, but I could read the natural high in your writing. As the great Gov'r of Cali would say, "It's NOT a Tumor!"

[Kate (Bee In The Bonnet)]

So glad it's not a tumor (am I the only one who cannot think/hear that phrase without hearing in my head Arnold Schwarzenegger as Dr. Alex Hesse in Junior explaining away his pregnancy as "It's noht ah TOOHMAH!"? I am? Yeah, probably...).

Anyhow, IT'S NOHT AH TOOMAH. And that's good. Still, brain infection doesn't exactly sound like a walk through the park. I'm hoping it's quickly and easily resolved with a round of super-antibiotics.

Wishing you good health, Patrick! Feel better soon!

[tgsdmom]

I was never under the impression that it might be a brain tumor. I rather thought it was complications from his latest injury/concussion. However, the infection can also be related to his Kawasaki-lookalike illness that could have spread to his brain. Or a combination of the two factors. I am further guessing it has nothing to do with last year's infection, but I might be wrong. Well, maybe having his tonsils taken out reduced his ability to fight new infections.

Anyway, thanks for the update. I am glad that the MRI was good-enough after all and that there are some leads to follow. Thinking of you, guys.

[Denise]

@ a different Julia - exactly what I thought. "Infection in the head" could be a sinus infection.

@ Susy - CAT scan of a hamster??? Really??? I wish you had done it because then you'd be able to tell me whether it's a wee little machine.

It goes without saying, but I'm really happy that Patrick doesn't have a brain tumor.

[Melissia]

I too think that those pockets of infection are most likely on his sinus cavities, otherwise he would be much sicker and in the hospital and on IV meds for brain infections.
Julia, 10 days of oral antibiotics will not do anything for a serious sinus infection. He needs to have the infection cultured and on an specific antibiotic for at least 30 days. You also need to make sure he did not pick up MRSA during his surgery to remove his tonsils.
I currently on my 6th month of antibiotics in an effort to eradicate a long term infection. Demand a culture at the end of his antibiotics to make sure that all the bacteria is gone and consult a infectious disease doctor if you need to. I am sure he will be feeling better soon.

[Sarah]

I'm very glad it's not a brain tumor but should he be on IV antibiotics if it's multiple sites in the brain? Isn't that bacterial meningitis? http://www.emedicinehealth.com/brain_infection/article_em.htm

Happy, concerned, confused...

[Bianca]

Awesome news. Hope Patrick feels better soon!

[snickollet]

Oh, sweet relief of knowing something! And in this case, knowing that you can deal with what is there and that Patrick will be Well.

Hooray!

[Amy]

Continuing to keep you all in my thoughts and prayers. Being a parent is so freaking hard sometimes.

[shadymama]

yes yes yes and yes. i was TOTALLY holding my breath for that. much love, woman.

[Karen]

While I'm sorry he has to deal with another infection and has been so sick, I am so thrilled to hear it's something easily treatable.

Hope he's feeling much better soon!

[bethany actually]

"WHATEVER YOU WANT DR. NO TUMOR" made me laugh and read this post out loud to my slightly nonplussed (yet still relieved at the diagnosis) husband. I'm so grateful it is something that can be treated relatively easily! Whew.

[Hermia]

very glad that it's not a brain tumor, and that the doctors did not leave you hanging! Good thought on connecting the two episodes, and best of luck in de-bugging him!

[KatieV]

RELIEVED over here. Thank you for updating us.

[animzmirot]

Huge phew that there is no tumor. I think a lot of the comments were misreading what you said about the infection and possible abcess, which they thought was in his brain. My immediate thought is that he has a serious bacterial sinus infection, probably in his phenoid sinus, the one behind the eyes that can cause blindness, menengitis and worse. If that is indeed what he has (not uncommon and rarely fixed with antibiotics) then the ENT will suggest sinus surgery. I've had it, my kid has had it, and it isn't a walk in the park, once it is over and the sinuses are drained, the infection goes away pretty much forever.

Whatever it is, Patrick will handle it with his usual aplomb.

[becky]

oh i am so glad to hear that there is no tumor. as someone dealing with a loved one whose brain is chock full of them right now i am so relieved for you. and still worried with you of course...
i don't know if i have ever commented but wanted to delurk to let you know that one more person out there is thinking and hoping (and some sort of atheist version of praying) for you all and refreshing often to look for news.

[Crystal]

....

Brain and unknowns give me heebie jeebies.

Abscesses in the brain.... nonononoononononononoooooooooo.....

Patrick really should be at the "I have an awesome immune system" age, yet as you note... He's not. Abscesses in the brain of a kid his age, whatever the cause are as rare as unicorns.

Praying REALLY HARD that they just Poof go away, and NEVER COME BACK. NO more strange Patrick sickness allowed ever. No. Nice garden variety cold once a year is absolutely sufficient. Until he is yes.... 107. Then perhaps he could change things up with a slight fever for a week.....

Will be glad to hear your ENT thinks I'm an idiot who is worried for nothing... Can't wait! Will have bubbly chilled and celebrate in earnest (which just makes me think of a rather bawdy joke my Grandfather used to make about having a car named Earnest (ew ew ew ew ew, sick kids, not funny Grandfathers!).

Too tired. Sending good thoughts.

[Robin from Israel]

Thank god...

There is NOTHING better in the world than hearing that your child does NOT have the brain tumor everyone suspected. NOTHING.

Bacterial infections (or in our case viral meningitis) pale in comparison on the Mom's Greatest Fear chart. Infection = treatable = Very Good Thing.

I'm sure you're still terribly worried and stressed and rightfully so, but this wonderful news definitely ratchets the overall stress level down a lot.

Two years later and the memory of the poor children in the neurosurgeon's office whose news wasn't good, hadn't been good for a long time, still haunts me. I'm not a religious person (to say the least) but it was one hell of a there but for the grace of god moment...

Wishing the very best of health and smoothest courses of treatment to Patrick and your whole family.

[Betty M]

So glad that at least one scary thing has been ruled out and hopefully all other scary stuff can be ruled out or dealt with soon.

[Justin]

Wonderful news. I hope this resolves very quickly. Excellent that the ENT will see him immediately after the antibiotics have run their course. Hopefully that will be the point where it's all a slightly scary memory.

[purplefroglet]

It is weird to say this but that's fantastic news! I know finding the exact cause and nature of an infection cam be a bit of s pain but hopefully you'll get to the bottom of it.

[Kathleen999]

So glad it's not something serious brain wise. My first thought was that the infection was elsewhere in his head...not his brain. Like sinuses etc. Hope that is the case as I'm sure it's safer and easier to treat.

Hope he is well soon and I'm glad part of the waiting is over!

[Sarah]

Definitely call them back after making a list of questions, but this seems to be a step in the right direction for sure. Best of luck with the rest of it.

[Toni]

Yay and Boo. You know for which ones...

[Meegan]

So very happy there is no mass in delightful Patrick's brain. I was worried. I was praying for him. (I will continue to do so.) Obviously concerned about the infection. Should you speak with the pediatrician and get your questions answered, please post! Or post after the ENT appointment? So very selfish of me, but I do like to be kept abreast of Patrick's medical maladies. He does keep one on her toes, no? Good luck with the further appointments and conversations, and especially with recovery!

[elana]

you do not sound like a fool. you sound like a mother who is relieved to not hear the worst. don't apologize for it!

so happy to hear the good news...hope you get more answers on the infection and treatment!

[Jenny Greene]

Yay! Good news, and I hope you are able to get rid of that nasty-sounding infection really soon. Although how you've resisted the temptation to walk around muttering "It's not a tumah" all Kindergarten Cop-like is completely and utterly beyond me.

[Nancy]

So glad to hear it's not a tumor! I hope Patrick gets fixed up soon.

And to second what Elana (and probably others) have said - you don't sound like a fool. I hope that mean commenter a few posts back hasn't gotten into your head. Anyone who's read your blog for more than a minute knows how crazy you are about your kids and what a good mother you are.

[Anita]

No, it's great news! We were thinking Brain Tumor over here in our house, worried about you all.

I once had a REALLY BAD sinus infection that they said was weeks away from infecting my brain. I think the ENT is exactly where you should go!

YAY! YAY! YAY!!!!!

[Ab]

Yippee for good news and issues fixable with broad spectrum antibiotics!

[jenn]

Can you clarify the infection stuff? Head, sinus, brain? I find Patrick too adorable for words, and while no tumor is good... the rest is worrisome.
Btw... you are not crazy. :-) you've always been able to find the light at the end of the tunnel on some pretty crap situations...

[reenie]

I'll hop on the rainbow bandwagon...with the stoned pandas (chuckle...those pandas!) but I actually thought it was migraines, too. I'm curious about the oral vs IV antibiotics as well. Usually when you have something "serious" going on they want closer observation & it would seem hospitalization and IV antibiotics with repeat MRI/Xray (can this be seen on Xray?) would be reasonable.

I may just be on the harpy, my child needs to be seen NOW side of the spectrum, but after my son had two weeks of 103-105 degree temps and pneumonia that did not get better, much suffering, admission followed by surgery...I'm no longer satisfied to wait for the doctors to be as concerned as I.

[quine]

Thanks for updating. Still sending good vibes across the sea/land/mountains. xxx

[SarahB]

Oh, thank God. Truly. This infection business still sounds complicated, but thank God it's not a tumor. I agree with the other poster to write up a list of questions and call the ped back. Surely they understand the joyous relief of no tumor flooding out other issues? Hugs.

[Pam L]

I am still confused. You said "However what Patrick does have in his head are multiple pockets of significant infection." What does that mean? Where in his head? Surrounding his brain, sinuses? So no antibiotics for a day or two until the Lyme disease issue is dealt with?It would be hard to digest all that by yourself. It would be great if you could have someone go with you to these appointments to tape it. I know
there have been a few times when I got home and said "Wait, is THAT what he said?"

[Molly]

THANK GOD. So glad to hear it. Now on to the mystery infection (which seems more manageable)! Keep us posted.

[Channa]

I'm glad to hear about the lack of tumor, and I hope the infection is quickly cured!

[AnnaN]

Oh man. Yay for no brain tumor but infections and abcesses? Yikes.

Still sending you all the GoodJuju vibes I can. :-D

Whew.

[Chive]

Yay! for no tumour and for healthcare professionals who remember you are all people not a case, and need to know that news as soon as possible.
Yay! for clues as to what is going on and how to treat it.
Just because he isn't fixed yet doesn't mean you can't celebrate progress and losing one huge fear.

[Jen]

So glad to hear you're getting answers, and they're progressively more comforting. Sure, a brain infection is no walk in the park, but it is Oh So Treatable. (Yay antibiotics!)

[katherine]

Good progress is made. Good work, Julia.

[Tine]

Thank you thank you thank you for the prompt update. We can all breathe now.

I'm so glad to hear of Patrick's tumorless brain...but I am NOT amused at the idea of a brain infection. WTF? How does a kid get a brain infection? Criminy. Sign me up for the Still Worried Club.

[Carrie]

Never so happy to hear a kid has a "head" infection!!! Breathe, cheer, breathe, repeat!

[Carrie (in St. Paul)]

Yay no brain tumor! Still holding you guys in my thoughts and looking forward to the all clear!

[Carrie (in St. Paul)]

And you do NOT sound like a fool. I would have had the same reaction, including not being able to concentrate on anything but the songbirds and rainbows.

[Erin]

You do not sound like a fool. I don't even know you and I AM SO RELIEVED Patrick doesn't have a tumor! As his mother, I would imagine your relief is compounded by infinity.

Anyway, thank heavens for a treatable diagnosis and get well soon, Patrick!

[Andrea]

Yay. I have been checking every morning hoping for good news. So happy and relieved for you. And you know you can call the doctor back right? I had cancer a couple years ago and there were several times I had to call back to confirm or ask for more information because something that they told me just blotted out hearing much of anything else. So feel free to call the doctor back and say you were so overjoyed to hear no tumor you didn't really take in everything about the infection and abcesses (sp?) and could they go over it again please. A good doctor will be happy to do that.

[Chris]

Relief... so happy for your family. Amazing what we’ll take as “not so bad” when worried about the unknown. I agree – infection… Not so bad!

[Olya]

What a relief!