Nolan's condition was diagnosed as a diffuse pontine glioma.   Below is some additional information:

General Information About Childhood Brain Stem Glioma

Childhood brain stem glioma is a disease in which benign (noncancer) or malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the brain stem.

The brain stem is the part of the brain connected to the spinal cord. It is located in the lowest part of the brain, just above the back of the neck. The brain stem is the part of the brain that controls breathing, heart rate, and nerves and muscles used in seeing, hearing, walking, talking, and eating.

Although cancer is rare in children, brain tumors are the most common type of childhood cancer other than leukemia or lymphoma.

This summary refers to the treatment of primary brain tumors (tumors that begin in the brain). Treatment for metastatic brain tumors, which are secondary tumors formed by cancer cells that begin in other parts of the body and spread to the brain, is not discussed in this summary. Brain tumors can occur in both children and adults; however, treatment for children may be different than treatment for adults.

The cause of most childhood brain tumors is unknown.

The symptoms of childhood brain stem glioma vary and often depend on the child's age and where the tumor is located.

These symptoms may be caused by a brain stem glioma or other conditions. A doctor should be notified if any of the following problems occur:

• Loss of balance and difficulty walking.
• Vision and hearing problems.
• Morning headache or headache that goes away after vomiting.
• Nausea and vomiting.
• Unusual sleepiness or change in energy level.

Tests that examine the brain are used to detect (find) childhood brain stem glioma.

The following tests and procedures may be used:

• CT scan (CAT scan): A procedure that makes a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the body, taken from different angles. The pictures are created by a computer linked to an x-ray machine. This test is also called computed tomography, computerized tomography, or computerized axial tomography.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging): A procedure that uses a magnet and radio waves to make a series of detailed pictures of areas inside the brain and spinal cord. The pictures are made by a computer. A substance called gadolinium is injected into the patient through a vein. The gadolinium collects around the cancer cells so they show up brighter in the picture. This procedure is also called nuclear magnetic resonance imaging (NMRI).

Certain factors affect prognosis (chance of recovery) and treatment options.

The prognosis (chance of recovery) depends on the type of brain stem glioma, where it is located within the brain stem, whether it has spread within the brain stem, and whether or not the child has an underlying condition called neurofibromatosis type 1. Treatment options depend on the type and location of the tumor.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*

In our research to find help for Nolan, we have encountered a number of children who are currently suffering (or have passed on) from the same brainstem tumors as Nolan.  Please keep these children (and their families!!!)  in your prayers and visit their sites.  They would love to hear from you!