Answers; Some Good and Some Not So Good, but Livable

We heard from the neurosurgeons office. Relief!

I do still have a brain tumor. The tumor is a residual tumor that has been hiding and is stable. It was missed at my 1 month follow-up scan by the nurse practitioner. My neurosurgeon has been tracking it. (Communication people!) He is satisfied that it is stable, not growing, and no surgery is indicated at this time. We do not need a biopsy. Because it is a left over portion, we don't need to fear cancerous regrowth because it is not new growth.

The tissue used to close my craniectomy is something called DuraGen. It is more dense and can incorporate itself into the surrounding tissue, unlike DuraSeal. There is no reconstructive surgery needed. It is not as strong as my skull bone would have been, but it is sufficient for most daily activities. Again, clear and appropriate communication would have helped to decrease huge amounts of anxiety.

Referral to a neuropsychologist will follow with attention being given to my apparent lack of progress in some areas, as well as a provider more able to answer functional questions and concerns.

In summary: No surgery at this time or the forseeable future. Communication would have helped to clear up a lot of our concerns. Needless to say, I will not be seeing the supporting nurse practitioner from my first visits again. All of my case information has been transferred to S, and she will now conference directly with my neurosurgeon. If you wondered, the doctor has been made very aware of the concerns created from lack of communication and professionalism of his last provider. Now, off to write a very appreciative "Thank you" for the answers we received as well as the referral for support.

DuraGen

The DuraGen XS(TM) dural graft is the latest generation in Integra's line of duraplasty materials based on Integra's market leading absorbable collagen matrix technology. Integra launched DuraGen(R) Dural Graft Matrix, the first onlay collagen graft for dural repair, in 1999. This was followed by the launch of DuraGen Plus(R) Dural Regeneration Matrix in 2003. Subsequently, Suturable DuraGen(TM) Dural Regeneration Matrix was brought to market in 2005. Following the 1999 introduction of DuraGen(R), the Integra family of duraplasty materials rapidly became the standard of care for sutureless closure of dural defects in the U.S.A.
"The introduction of DuraGen XS(TM) Dural Regeneration Matrix demonstrates Integra's sustained commitment to providing the neurosurgical community with innovative technology and materials for the management of dural defects. DuraGen XS(TM) has a higher collagen content while maintaining the same porous structure found in our DuraGen Plus(R) materials. The resulting graft is stronger and more robust," said Mark Spilker, Ph.D., Integra's Vice President of Research and Development.
Based on available procedural data, Integra estimates that DuraGen XS(TM) and other DuraGen(R) dural grafts have the potential to be used in over 225,000 neurosurgical procedures annually in the U.S.
The dura mater is a tough, fibrous membrane that surrounds and protects the tissues of the brain and spinal cord. Head and spinal injuries often result in laceration of the dura mater and neurosurgical procedures require the opening or removal of the dura mater to gain access to the delicate tissues contained within. In both cases, effective dural closure is imperative to prevent cerebrospinal fluid leaks and facilitate wound healing. Dural defects may be repaired with dural graft substitutes. The onlay graft technique, possible with Integra DuraGen(R) dural grafts, allows neurosurgeons to conclude operations more efficiently than when using materials that require sutures.