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Welcome to Matthew's Web Page.
On January 11, 2001, at the age of seven, our son Matthew was diagnosed with a diffuse pontine brainstem glioma—a very aggressive tumor.
On February 5, 2001 Matthew underwent a seven-hour surgery during which the neurosurgeon was able to safely remove over half of Matthew's tumor. A few days after surgery we were told the final pathology report revealed Matthew had the lowest grade tumor possible—a pilocytic astrocytoma. With tears in his eyes, the doctor told us Matthew could plan on celebrating many birthdays to come.
On June 21, 2005 Matthew underwent his second brain surgery to remove recurrent tumor. The operation was performed at Johns Hopkins by Dr. Ben Carson.
On October 25, 2005 Matthew underwent his third brain surgery to drain a cyst and remove more of his tumor. At this time, Matthew had an Ommaya reservoir installed.
December 20, 2005 Matthew had his fourth brain surgery to reposition the reservoir and drain the cyst.
Matthew's Miles, a fundraiser for brain tumor research, was a great success, raising over $75,000 for brain tumor research. You can read more about the walk and other brain tumor survivors and angels at Matthew's Miles
Journal
Sunday, March 30, 2008 8:12 AM CDT Matthew and I went to Johns Hopkins yesterday to have his latest MRI reviewed. Dr. Carson told us that, when compared with Matthew's last MRI from OCT 2006, Matthew's tumor is stable, the cyst is still decompressed, and there is less enhanced area (which is a good thing).
Dr. Carson is amazed at how Matthew has regained so much of his strength and mobility. 2 years ago Matthew could barely raise his right arm off his lap and hardly move his fingers. When Dr. Carson asked Matthew to raise his arm yesterday, he was astounded when Matthew raised it as high as his left arm--and could move all of his fingers! Dr. Carson said it is rare that people regain their strength the way Matthew has.
The other great news is we don't need to go back for a YEAR! We don't even have to have a CT scan in 6 months. Just an MRI in 1 YEAR! I told Dr. Carson as much as we like him, I hope we don't see him before then :)
I look at Matthew and know, without a doubt, that God answers prayers. Matthew is truly a testament of God's healing power.
--Andrea
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