Dedicating this to my grand-daughter Miley. She is a beautiful rose that has been up against a hard place too many times in her life.
At 4 years of age she was diagnosed having a brain stem tumour. The operation was dangerous but they removed 90% of the tumour. On her 5th birthday she was released from hospital and began radiation therapy. Not sure we can label it a success but she fought bravely and won that round.
The tumour left her with permanent damage. She lost vision in her left eye, her balance is off, her left arm is weak, the left side of her face droops, her speech has been affected, she can’t swallow very well therefore she will be permanently fed through a tube into her stomach and she has lost hearing in her left ear.
Even with all that she has blossomed. She has continued to get excellent grades in school despite one teacher’s objections to her being with the “regular” kids! She did try to go back to dance class and was doing okay but ultimately had to give it up. She loves crafts and riding her custom three-wheeler. She’s a fighter!
At 8 years old the tumour once again began growing. Another surgery to attempt removal of the tumour but unfortunately some of it was too close to an artery and too dangerous to remove. Then on to more rounds of radiation but she fought it!
Recently she turned 12. Two days after her birthday she went for her MRI check-up. Later that day her mom called crying. All she could say is “it’s back”!
As she has already had 2 rounds of radiation the doctors are unsure as to course of treatment. Right now they are consulting with other doctors. Mid-August she goes for another MRI and hopefully to hear a plan of attack.
I hate she has another fight ahead of her! All we can do is pray.