MIBG Prep

Today Brendan went to Salt Lake to get his dye injection for the MIBG scan (which will be done tomorrow).  

Here is the info about MIBG scans from CureSearch:
 MIBG (metaiodobenzylguanidine) scans help locate and diagnose certain types of tumors in the body. MIBG is a substance that gathers in some tumors, particularly neuroblastoma tumors. When MIBG is combined with radioactive iodine (tracer), it provides a way to identify primary and metastatic (spread) disease. MIBG scans are helpful for locating both bone and soft tissue tumors.

The test is performed by injecting a small amount of radioactive dye (tracer) through an IV. Pictures are then taken under a scanner that is similar to a CT scan. The scans may occur 24, 48, or 72 hours after the tracer is given. Doctors are looking for bright spots on the scan, these indicate cancer cells.

Brendan first had to go to Clinic to get his port accessed.  Then to Imaging for the injection.  Then back to Clinic to get port de-accessed.  He did quite a bit of walking around today.

 One of the reasons we were told they want to do a MIBG scan on Brendan is to see if the dye will "uptake" into the esthesioneuroblastoma cancer cells.  MIBG will uptake into neuroblastoma (and light up on the scans), but since esthesioneuroblastoma are only distant relatives of neuroblastoma, they are not sure if it will uptake into the cells or not.  I think they want to know more about this type of cancer, as well as find a way to treat it if possible.  If this radioactive dye material will uptake into the cells, it's possible that radioactive isotopes can be injected that will target just the cancer cells.  This type of procedure can be done in San Francisco or Denver if it appears it could be effective.

 While at the hospital today, Brendan dropped off the donations you all gave for the Ronald McDonald Family Room, as well as the donations to the playroom and/or music therapy that was above and beyond the cost of the air hockey table.  You have all been extremely generous!  Thank you!

 While at the playroom, Brendan and Shaun enjoyed a game or two of air hockey.  The playroom volunteers said that the air hockey table is the most popular activity in the playroom!

Brendan came home rather tired from Salt Lake and slept for a bit, but has been pretty active most of the day.  He is moving around better than he has for a long time.  He even brushed his teeth without complaint tonight :)  We are so grateful for improvements, both big and small.