MRI Results

The neurologist who interpreted Maddie's MRI results tells us that the swollen area on her lower back is called a lipoma which is benign tumor composed of fatty tissues. Normally, these masses are harmless, but the location of Maddie's could present some problems if it were to attach to the spinal cord and exert pressure on it. For now, we can proceed with the foot ablation as scheduled next Thursday because the lipoma presents no real problem at this time. Once Maddie is healed from the amputation, the neurologist wants to do some further testing including a renal ultrasound and something called a urodynamic which measures pressure and nerve reaction in the bladder. We think that these tests will show no involvement of the kidneys or bladder since Maddie is fully potty trained and has marvelous control, but it will be good to know for sure what is going on internally. We will most likely proceed with these tests in January or so.

For now, we are focused on making life as normal as possible until next Thursday arrives. We have a book about a turtle who has to stay in the hospital, so we've been reading and talking about that. Maddie and Ibby have also been playing patient/doctor quite a bit. This was their idea. They take turns being the doctor. While the patient fake cries, the doctor gives shots in every part of the body...toes, head, ears...and says over and over, "It's okay. It's okay." Oh, and the doctor administers a kiss to the affected area after each shot. Additionally, Richard and I have purchased a doll that has a prosthetic leg, and we will be introducing that to the girls this weekend while we begin to try and explain what Maddie will be facing next week.