BROCK

Brock was born a healthy baby boy.  Brock went to his pediatrician for his four month well visit and immunizations. A loud heart murmur was found that was not present before. We were sent to UAB to a cardiologist. An echocardiogram was performed and showed right ventricular hypertrophy and an unusual appearance of a narrow right ventricular outflow tract. Brock had a cardiac catheterization on Sept.9,2003. The RV outflow was severely narrowed. Cardiac catheterization was unsuccessful. Brock had his first open heart surgery on Sept.11,2003. Most of the tumor was removed. On Oct.6,2003 we began to see new tumor growth. Brock was immediately started on steroids. They were hoping the steroids may shrink the tumor since it had an inflammatory classification. On Oct. 22,2003 Brock had to go to Ochsner Hospital in New Orleans, LA for a Cardiac MRI. The MRI gave us a better look at the areas around the heart to make sure there was no other tumors. The MRI confirmed the tumor was localized to the Right Ventricle and RV outflow tract. On Nov. 6, 2003 Brock had his second open heart surgery. Again, Dr. Pacifico removed as much tumor as possible. There is some residual tumor that could not be removed without damage the the walls of the heart. Brock began Chemotherapy at Children's Hospital on November 19. Brock has to have Chemotherapy done every week for one year. On November 26, Brock had surgery to place a Port-A-Cath. Brock has very bad veins and a port-a-cath was necessary to administer his chemotherapy and draw his blood every week. On Dec.10,2003 Brock was admitted to Children's Hospital for a blood transfusion. At this time they placed a TP Feeding tube in through his nose. Brock wasn't eating very well and was loosing weight. He would only take up to 7 oz. of formula a day. The feeding tube has helped him gain a little weight. Brock had a lot of vomitting every week from his chemo. He didn't sleep very well, he was up about every 1-2 hours.  Brock finished Chemo in Nov.2004.  He has gotten stronger every day and has increased his appetite some.  We are awaiting his third open heart surgery to replace his Tricuspid Valve.

Thank you for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers.

Child's Name: Brock

Birth Date: April 5, 2003

Diagnosis: Inflammatory Myofibroblastic Tumor Heart

Web Site: http://www.caringbridge.org/al/brock

Child's Interest: Riding on toddler cars, Jay Jay The Jet Plane, Barney, Farm Animals

Sister: Tinley - 1/7/2002

Sister's Interests: Princess Items, watching Disney videos, Angelina Ballerina, My Little Pony

Pets: Harley and Stormy - Australian Shephards

Gift Address: 8279 Country Circle, Pinson, AL 35126

Childs Wish: A DVD/VCR Player to watch videos.  Ours only works half the time.