and sometimes the war keeps going after the battles

Sometimes the battle against brain cancer doesn't just last in your childhood but follows you into adulthood as well....

Today's Brain Tumor Warrior

Ethan Mjolsness 

In April of 1999, at the age of 8 years old, Ethan's family began their journey into the world of cancer, and more specificly, the life I know of Ependymoma. Ethan had began vomitting in the mornings. He'd stay home from school, sleep for the morning, return to school after lunch and carry on a full day. This began to increase, until it was a daily occurance. His pediatrician ordered an MRI which showed a tumor in the 4th ventrical of the brain, a very common place for Ependymoma. Ethan had surgery followed by radiation, did well, thrived, and moved on with his life. 

His MRIs came back clear every year for seven years until December of 2006. Ethan had been having back problems for a number of months. The family visited with a number of doctors. They were informed that there was a tumor in his lower spine. Ethan then had surgery December 20, 2006 to remove the tumor in his spine. (The same day that Ivee was having her first brain surgery for brain cancer). Again, he had radiation to his lumbar region and began taking Temodar (oral chemo).

In November 2007, a followup MRI revealed a tumor in the T4 region (between his wings). He did not have any signs of it previously. Ethan once again had surgery to remove the tumor on Nov 30. By Dec 2 he was released and was able to celebrate his birthday at home! He received chemo infusions and radiation.

In April 2010, a followup MRI revealed two small nodules in the lumbar area of his spinal roots.  On May 10th he had surgery to remove tumors from L5 and S1.

In July 2011, a followup MRI revealed a nodule at L5. Surgery was performed on August 17 unsuccessfully. The surgeon told Ethan's famliy that he was unable to verify what was tumor, what was scar tissue (from previous surgeries) and what was nerve root.  In fear of doing damage to nerves, he did not want to try resecting anything.  The family appreciated this decision, however they were very saddened.  This means he was unable to remove the tumor(s) that are there. He received 3 treatments of stereotactic radiation that November. 

Almost a year later, August 2012,  a followup MRI reported clear spine! There is an area in the lower right backside of the brain that they had been watching and it clearly appeared to be a small tumor.  Surgery was performed on October 16 where the tumor was removed.  Partial vision loss in both eyes has slowed Ethan's recovery.

October 2012- MRI revealed a small tumor in the brain.  Surgery came shortly after and Ethan lost (temporarily) his peripheral vision on the left side.  After, he was monitored by an Ophthalmologist.  Either his brain has overcompensated for the lose or he truly gained vision back.

April 2013. MRI done April 3rd.  MRI reveals a new tumor in the spine – L1 area. It had returned very quickly – 3 month time frame. Surgery will come later for this due to another tumor at the base of the neck, where the spine and brain join.  Doctors do no feel that surgery on this tumor will be very successful due to intertwining with nerves, but doctors move forward to perform surgery anyway.

Today at the Age of 22: May 20, 2013. Ethan arrived home last night after 6 days in the hospital following brain surgery to remove the neck tumor. His tongue is about 2 1/2 times it's normal size and is affecting his speech. As you can imagine it is stressing him out a bit.The incision is the shape of a large C from the middle of the back of the head, around his right ear and down his neck. Skin grafting from his right leg was done this time. They removed the drainage tube from his leg to remove any liquids. He has been in quite a bit of pain, but he was anxious to get home. The family is managing well. I'm praying the tongue swelling begins to go down soon. Now  for 3 months of recovery at home, and praying for complete healing. 

Ethan has never let cancer stop him. He will, by the grace of God graduate this Fall from college! He is a fighter and champion in showing the world that it is up to you to do what you will with your circumstances. You can get knocked down, but it's up to you to get back up again! Please, pray for healing and wisdom for Ethan as he is recovering today!