And the pathologist says...

It is Histiocytosis or more correctly Langerhans cell Histiocytosis (LCH).  There are actually many varieties of Histiocytosis, this is just one that appears in childhood, usually before age 10.  There are many different ways to treat this, it just depends on if he has more lesions (tumors) and where they are located.  Andrew should be getting a PET scan next week with follow up with a histiocytosis specialist.  I am not sure if we will be meeting with THE specialist, or one of the other specialists that work with him.  Evidentially he is world renowned doctor for Histiocytosis.   (Arizona scores again for being the perfect, although hotter than normal, state to raise my family in).  If my research is on target, Dr Michael Henry will be our doctor (ok, I googled Phoenix Children's Hospital and Histiocytosis and his was the name to pop up), then our pediatrician has already noted his credentials to us, although at the time she could not recall his name.

Anyway, I think we are categorized as cancer and blood disorders, falling into the latter category.  They put these together because they use the same types of treatments.  Hopefully in two weeks we will understand not only if and how pervasive this is, but also possible treatments.

So just as a recap, the tumor was removed, has been biopsied, identified, and now we are seeing if there is any more. 

I don't know what treatment will be if he has more tumors, but I did find out that if the does not have any more tumors at this time, he will have PET scans every three months for the next year, and then every six months after that (for at least 5 years). 

I did not know what a PET scan was, so I had to check that out (Wikipedia definition to follow on next entry).

OK, maybe my research methods are not the most detailed right now, but I seriously don't have time (or emotional strength) to research things unless they are certain.  This is why I am taking this a lot slower than some of you might.  We are trying hard to keep the kids schedules as normal as always, so that takes an immense amount of time.  Things are going well over all.