Allison's Colloid Killers

As many of you know, our Allison recently received the diagnosis of a colloid cyst on her brain. This cyst had been causing periodic headaches with associated neurological symptoms that Allison believed to be migraines. Her initial MRI was read as “unremarkable”; however, after the headaches became more frequent and painful she sought treatment at Emory Medical Center and received the news that the cause of the headaches was a possible mass, which was later identified as a colloid cyst. The cyst, while certainly better news than any tumor growth, still presented the need for an invasive surgery and prolonged recovery time. With the location, she had risks associated with increasing intracranial pressures and worsening hydrocephalus, complicating her case. As a result, Allison was put into the ICU, and given instructions not to leave her bed for any reason other than restroom use until her surgery could be completed.

Unfortunately, before doctors were able to perform the surgery, Allison became unresponsive due to increased pressure while in the ICU. She required two emergency drains to be placed in her head to relieve the pressure. They were then able to proceed with surgery the following day; however, doctors were not able to successfully remove the cyst due to complications while in the operating room. Allison was moved back to the ICU after surgery and remained intubated with frequent neurological exams, with the hopes she could build up more cerebrospinal fluid to tolerate another surgery. Luckily Allison has been responsive since the unsuccessful surgery; however she required even more time in the ICU until her brain healed enough to allow doctors another shot at removing the cyst. Her levels finally evened out today March 25, and doctors again attempted to remove the cyst. Unfortunately, they again were unable to remove the cyst, and Allison is back in the ICU with the plan of placing another shunt. When she is stabilized, they will repeat the surgery again to hopefully remove the cyst.

Obviously, our main concern is Allison’s health, and she and her family appreciate the overwhelming support and love that has been shown in this trying time. Sadly, as she has to spend more and more time in the ICU her medical costs continue to increase. While we cannot help her in the ICU, today we ask for any donation to help ease the cost of her medical care in their time of need. The situation is very fluid now, as we do not know just how long Allison may need to spend in the care of Emory, but any contribution would be a blessing.

Thank you for anything you can contribute, as well as the support that Allison and her family have received already. It is a blessing to have this support system. We will update Allison’s condition as we receive more information.