On Wednesday 5/27, Rita went in for a routine MRI to see if there was anything happening neurologically that was causing her speech and motor delays. The MRI showed that Rita has a large, inoperable and incurable tumor in her brainstem called Diffuse Midline Glioma (formerly known as Diffuse Intrinsic Pontial Glioma). On Saturday 5/30, the neurosurgeon did a biopsy sample of her brain stem to see what grade the tumor is, and how quickly it’s progressing. This week she starts radiation, which will be 5 days a week for 6 weeks. The family won’t know how much time she has until they receive the biopsy results (in a few weeks), but the oncologist has provided a typical/average range of life expectancy of 9-12 months once the tumor has been found. Rita is doing so well at the hospital and is being so brave. She’s not in any pain right now, and is carrying on as her normal happy self. Rita’s family will be in and out of the hospital for the foreseeable future while they work to make Rita’s life as great as possible. Her older brother, Paul, knows that Rita’s brain is sick and that the doctor did the biopsy to learn more about what’s causing the tumor, but he does not yet know her prognosis. He is being a rockstar big brother by caring for her and making sure she’s happy. The family respectfully asks that if you know Paul, please don’t talk to him about this or treat him any differently. Rita's family is grateful for your care and support.
The family is not accepting visitors at this time besides close family and friends. If you are interested in helping with meals, the family would prefer a Fred Meyer or Whole Foods gift card so that they can use it on food Rita is able to eat.