Update: After I sent the update last night, I received a phone call from Aiden’s dad with another update not even 5 mins later. (I had returned to Cali a few days earlier). Doctors do not know exactly what the images are from the scans. Could be an infection, could be fluid or could be blood in his abdomen area. All signs lead to infections though. They can confirm he has meningitis at the shunt area - don’t know to what extent. They would have to go in to see in order to confirm. His shunt tubing is in the same area and drs have said regardless he would need to have his shunt taken out; go through a waiting period (14 days or longer) and then replace the shunt and tubing. These procedures are high risk and even a higher risk because of his condition. Also, proceeding with brain surgery leaves him open to getting more infections. Which would be another round of surgeries. Aiden’s body is weak. He has lost 65 pounds. He is unable to move or talk. They did a spinal drain to collect some CSF to test to see if there is an infection in the fluid of his brain. All that is in his abdomen area, if it is an infection can easily transport to the tubing for the shunt. Regardless they tell us no one knows if there is an infection inside his tube unless it’s taken out. We are opting to proceed with removal of the masses in his abdomen area only as the other surgeries are too much for his body and will likely lead to more operations and/or infections. We do not know when this surgery will take place but hopefully today because they are sizable and will continue to grow or even burst. Once he’s recovered, the plan is to return him to his rehab facility so they can move quickly with paperwork in ordering the equipment he needs for home. Then we will bring him home to the comfort of his familiarity. I was able to catch a flight at 1am this morning to Texas so his dad and I are here with him. Please pray for us as these decisions are not easy. Please pray that we ask the right questions to the team. Please continue to pray for Aiden, for his strength and courage and healing.