We've been praying for a miracle since Matthew's biopsy revealed a less aggressive type of tumor than first predicted. Now we see evidence of amazing recovery right before our eyes. We told him all we've been doing is praying. The tumor is smaller, but it's still there. We saw endocrinologists at Johns Hopkins Hospital today and they told us that Matthew has been very lucky, post-op from the endocrinologist's standpoint.
Many children have to go to endocrinology post-op because of illness or pituitary gland damage.
Matthew's appointment was a precautionary one. They told us that often during brain surgery, the pituitary gland is damaged and its functions impaired, resulting in frequent illness post-op, including fever and vomiting. Damage to the gland can affect the secretion of growth and other hormones, as well as triggering diabetes. Sometimes hormone supplements have to be taken for life after surgery because the body can no longer produce them. Fortunately, Matthew has exhibited no overt signs of pituitary damage.