We wanted to share an update on the next big step in Marcus’ journey.

For the last several months Marcus’ doctor has been talking to us about Baclofen pumps and the benefits they could have for a patient like Marcus. In late September, we were finally able to get Marcus a consult/evaluation with the recommended neurosurgeon. We were told Marcus is the ideal patient for this type of procedure. As for next steps, the Baclofen pump trial (which is a half day trial to monitor the effects of the medicine and injection method in his body) is scheduled for January 9th. This will help the doctors see how his body responds to the medication and whether it will make a positive difference for him.

If Marcus handles the trial well, there will be a minimum six-week waiting period before moving forward with the actual surgery. We are cautiously optimistic about the potential changes this could have on Marcus’ body. His muscle tone plays a massive role in most every therapy we continue to do with him, and his current condition has really limited those options.

If you want to read more about what’s going on with Marcus’ muscles and get more info about the Baclofen pump:

https://msktc.org/tbi/factsheets/spasticity

In other news regarding Marcus’ impending discharge from Almost Home Kids, we have made some headway with DSCC (Division of Specialized Care for Children) in that they have increased our approved nursing hours from 56 to 84. This is a huge relief, as there will almost always only be one Team Marcus member in Chicago at a time meaning any time there is not a nurse available, we need to be with Marcus. These increased hours lift a large load off of the individual who is there with him. We are so grateful for the additional hours, and we also would still love to see that number increase.

As always, we are continuing to move forward one step at a time, thankful for every bit of progress.