Team Vigo

*update for Vigo 9/2024

In December it will be three years since Vigo was diagnosed with a brain tumor. (Astrocytoma, grade 3/4)

In July of this year, he was taken off his chemo. We needed to know if the tumor was just a shell now - with no activity, or, if it was still "alive/active." Sadly, at the end of August, Vigo said his headaches were bad, like before diagnosis bad. The doctors got him in for an MRI as quickly as possible. Within a few short hours, we were called and told the tumor had grown significantly. He was put back on oral chemo. Before the chemo had a chance to try and take effect, Vigo went down with a debilitating headache. Calling the doctors again, he was put back on steroids - dexamethasone. This time a low dosage, to try and reduce the swelling.

He'll be home for a few days before mustering the energy and determination to return to school.

This year Vigo will be 16.

Cancer sucks. This boy has dreams.

Surgery is currently on hold. After the MRI on Tuesday, we discovered the tumor has grown significantly in 6 weeks - by 50%. Our doctor was very concerned. At this time surgery and removal would not be beneficial for Vigo. It would be several weeks after surgery to treat the tumor. Which would give it yet another chance to grow. We have a consult this week with the Roswell Pediatric Unit. Vigo will start radiation and chemotherapy to attempt to shrink the tumor. If it can be shrunk enough, we may then be able to remove it.

Diagnosis is Astrocytoma, level 3 or 4. It is a cancerous brain tumor that is usually, only found in adults over the age of 50. Unfortunately, this is not the case for Vigo, he' s 13 years old. He is the fourth child of five, he is a son, brother, nephew and an uncle. Vigo is actively involved in Boy Scouts, plays the snare drum in the middle school marching band, loves camping, hiking and backpacking, fishing and hunting. Vigo loves to entertain people young and old, perform with puppets and walk on stilts.

Mom and Dad have already been advised that their health insurance will not cover all of the medical expenses associated with the surgery and treatment. Vigo will be undergoing surgery on Tuesday, January 18, 2022 to remove as much of the tumor as possible, and will then undergo chemotherapy and radiation. The sooner medical bills are paid and kept to date will make this much easier on the family and reduce the worry and stresses.