Derek's Journey

This is a story about Derek Carter, my 16yr old son, who has recently been diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor called Germinoma.

Right now we only have a brief story but I will return to add and modify it as we progress.

This summer we started noticing that Derek's hearing and balance were not what they should be.  We went to the family doctor who put him on antibiotics thinking this may be due to an inner ear infection.  Upon completing the antibiotics with no change, we were then referred to the ear, nose and throat specialist for further investigation.  We went to our appointment with the specialist on a Thursday, who immediately sent us to have a ct scan done.  The results of the ct scan were devistating.  They found a tumor at the base of Derek's brain.

They sent us to Sparrow Hospital where upon having an MRI done it was confirmed that he was going to need to have brain surgery to have it removed.  They also put in a drain tube to relieve the pressure that was being placed on his brain and make him more stable

On Friday night were then sent to U of M, Mott Childrens Hospital where the procedure would take place.  On Monday Derek underwent brain surgery where they took a biopsy and removed part of the tumor.  It was confirmed that Derek had a malignant tumor that they believed was Germinoma.  We would know in about 7 to 10 days after further testing if their initial thoughts were correct.

On the following Thursday morning it was confirmed that the tumor was indeed Germinoma.  Although we were hoping from the beginning that his tumor would be benign, If it had too be bad news this was probably the best bad news we could have gotten.  Germinoma is a very treatable form of canter.

Up to now Derek's journey had been fast and furious but from here on it will be a very long journey.

There will be many expenses related to his treatment the insurance will not cover and we are hoping to raise some money for his cause.

Derek is the type of person that is always there to help when someone needs it and would be very thankfull for any help that is offered to him.

Although our story is kind of in rough form now, I will try to fill in with some more details and add too it as his journey continues.

Thank you for reading our story and any help you may offer.

Derek Carter and family