Here's How it Started

April 23: MRI that showed a brain tumor.

April 30: Surgery revealed a much more invasive and aggressive tumor than first suspected. One doctor described as like a plant with roots. The part of the tumor identified originally was outside the brain. But it turned out that was only the 'leaves' part of the tumor and that the 'roots' were into the brain, like roots into the soil. The underground portions of the weed (it's not a tree or a flower, but a noxious weed) couldn't be removed without huge concerns for causing brain damage. As much tumor, as judged by the surgeon, that was safe to remove was removed and sent for testing.

May 6: Pathology report indicated a grade 3, astrocytoma.

Through a series of doctor appointments in Moline and Iowa City, Gretta & Conan have decided to use the treatment offered at the University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics in Iowa City. This is a serious tumor, but Conan is young and in good health, and the doctors believe they have caught it pretty early.