Today has only been the beginning of our series of consults here at the U of M. Even though we knew the most likely treatment option that was going to be presented to us, it really started to become real after spending hours with multiple physicians and team members over the course of the day. To say that it is a lot of information to take in would be an understatement. We still have more physicians to meet with and the team as a whole has to make the final recommendation later this week, but as of now it is looking like the only treatment option they have left to consider is the Total Pancreatectomy and Islet Autotransplant (TPAIT). This would involve removing Charlies pancreas, spleen, gallbladder and appendix. The islet cells in his pancreas (cells that produce insulin) would then be harvested and transplanted back in to his liver. After several months, the hope would be that his islet cells would begin working in his liver and he would not require insulin for the rest of his life. This procedure has the potential to improve Charlies quality of life significantly but it also has implications that will affect the rest of his life. He would be one of less than 10 children under the age of 6 to ever have this procedure in the U.S. U of M does the most children in the country and we have full confidence in the wonderful team of physicians we have met here. They have done one child younger than Charlie and two about his same age. Tomorrow, the meetings and discussion will continue and Charlie is also scheduled for another ERCP at 3:20. We dont know if the plan will be to remove or replace the current pancreatic stent. He is feeling good at the moment and we are celebrating that small victory! As overwhelming as some days seem, we take comfort in knowing we have so much support! We Love Team Charlie!
Posted on: Tue, 15 Jul 2014 02:13:59 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015