Brain Tumour

[Ladydragon981]

So many looooong comments

[Killbride]

@Ladydragon981 Not a simple subject...:/ But very sweet words.....I'm so lucky to have such kind friends.....xxx

[retr0llz]

There have been many cancer cures, but they all have been systematically suppressed by the cancer establishment, because they can't make much money off them.

Nutrition can cure cancer.

Look up some cancer cure documentaries. A nice one is "The Beautiful Truth".

watch?v=wvzDHGLEUyw

God Bless!

Jesus is Lord!

[jazzzzy001]

Please look at Dr David Servan-Schreiber on you tube he had malignant brain tumor 18 years ago and get his book, Anti-Cancer a New Way of Life. Look up Otto Warburg 1931(Biochemist)-who discovered that cancer cannot survive in an oxygenated body & Johanna Budwig (Biochemist)- flaxseed oil findings. Look up Dr Lorraine Day A.D (Orthopedic Trauma Surgeon) and read her testimony. Look up -Gods Way- Hallelujah Diet on YouTube too. I thank our Heavenly Father everyday for these testimonies. God Bless

[Killbride]

@jazzzzy001 Thanks for the input. We were fortunate that Vicki's tumour was benign, so it wasn't cancerous at all. It probably will never come back since it was formed by a cyst. I agree with your statement, though; it is also good to be alkaline. I don't know if that would have prevented her from becoming sick, but it would not hurt : ) I'll definitely look it up, though. Thanks!

[Killbride]

Thanks for your kindness..she has managed well with all things considered..she's a trooper...and now she's graduating and going to highschool...wow...time flies..

Everyone is just amazing here..thanks to you all for watching and responding..I appreciate it.

[lunnacy]

oh shit is she okay this is heart breaking

[Killbride]

@lunnacy She is doing pretty well all things considered. I still see small issues related to her surgery. She's much better now, though. I am very shocked at how quickly she came through it all. But it was 2007 when she first had her symptoms. It was after a ski trip in grade 4 and she caught strep throat before the symptoms of a brain tumour were an issue. It really threw me through a loop why she never got better after her prescription. :/ She is managing fine though.

[maddalynn13]

This is what my bff died from in 2008 (she passed away 3 days b4 my 11th b-day and that was the worst b-day I ever had) she had been fighting this 4 most her life and she never got better (but she was still strong and was still very positive about it) I'll never forget kaylas smile and how she made everyones day a little brighter even when hers wasn't perfect

[Killbride]

@maddalynn13 Gosh...that is so sad! I don't know what I would have done...Vicki is an only child, and the only girl of all the kids..She is 13 herself, and going to highschool next year. She was 10 when she had her surgery. Luckily she didn't suffer much from it permanently. I do see some differences besides physical. I'm so sorry you had to endure that, though..the illness itself was not easy to contend with. I can only imagine the aftermath : (

[koorstyss]

Hope she is ok x x x

[Killbride]

@koorstyss Thank you so much...She is healthy and strong now : )

[kayper54]

My daughter had surgery just 2 weeks ago (May, 2010) to remove a pilocytic astrocytoma of the brain stem. And the first thing she wanted to eat was a red popsicle! We didn't get all the tumor in the first surgery, so we're hoping that the second surgery will get it all, and hopefully no radiation treatment. Hope Victoria is all better now!

[Killbride]

@kayper54 This is the exact condition Vicki had, and same thing; she ate a Popsicle afterwards, but mainly craved sour cream and onion chips and a hamburger...lol.

How is your daughter recovering? Let me know how she does during therapy. There will be lots of it,. but she will get back to herself soon. I'm glad you were able to treat it. Vicki never had to go back yet, so we hope.

[kayper54]

@Killbride She is doing OK; she still has double-vision and there is some very slight paralysis on her left side, she can't yet walk a straight line heel-to-toe and she tires very quickly. We have to see the oncologist every 2 weeks and get an MRI every 4 weeks. They haven't yet decided when to act on that bit still left in her brain stem, but they want to keep a close eye on it. Fortunately, school is already out down here so she doesn't have that to worry about.

[Killbride]

@kayper54 That's great news, considering she is still suffering from a tumour. Her vision will eventually correct itself. Vicki needed glasses in the beginning, but now she's fine..For a couple of years Vicki saw the clinic every 6 months and check ups within 3 weeks of each MRI. They feel that the tumour has not returned. Vicki still has minor coordination problems which is not easily detected by most, and she still has some weakness in her left leg. Vicki still stumbles a bit. It gets easier.

[kayper54]

@Killbride We have an update on our daughter, Pippa; after her most recent MRI on Tuesday,the 29th, the surgeon has decided it's time to go back in and try to get the rest of the tumor out of her brain stem. Pippa is not taking the news well, and we're all a little nervous, as brain stem tumor resections are notoriously tricky. He has not set a date yet, but has said it will be in a month or 2, probably the beginning of Aug or the beginning of Sept.

[Killbride]

@kayper54 Wow, it's awfully scary, but this is probably the best method. Although it's quite invasive, it's the quickest and most effective process. I have seen many relatives undergo chemo and radiation, and they are not the best alternative. It's best to go in with a brave face, and trust in the medical team. As I put it to Vicki, they will put in a magic straw to relieve the pressure which was making her so sick, and the rest will be easier to accept. >>>

[kayper54]

@Killbride Here's update on my daughter's condition, since you're so kind to take an interest in her. Her 2nd surgery was on 09/22, and they removed as much as they could, but given that the "root" of the tumor is deep in the middle of the brain stem, they couldn't get it all, and probably never will. Tho no future surgery or treatment is scheduled, they are hoping that she will only need targeted radiation later on rather than surgery.

[kayper54]

(Cont'd) However, on 10/10, we took her back to the ER after she had suffered the entire previous week from severe headaches and high fever off and on; then she added vomiting to her list of symptoms on the 10th. They admitted her that very day for spinal meningitis, where we stayed in isolation until the 15th. It's been a long, tough road, but we hope we're finally through the worst of it, for a while at least. She'll start school for half-days this coming week for the first time in a month.

[dipdopdee]

@kayper54

[stevimated]

how did you you determine she had a brain tumor?

[Killbride]

@stevimated It wasn't until we saw a walk-in clinic doctor, and immediately she was rushed for a CT scan/surgery that day. Within the last 6 months of her illness my bf sort of suspected it, but could not convince anyone.

[stevimated]

@Killbride hmmm...

what were her symptoms?

[Killbride]

@stevimated At first she contracted Strep Throat, which she had contracted on a school ski trip, and that was resolved pretty well within a couple of days. She just ended up getting sicker and sicker, with serious abdominal problems like bile, and vomiting. The summer came and she seemed to get better, but then fall came around and it started again, but with headaches like migraines, and dizziness, loss of motor skills, (speech, vision, writing, walking) and then she had a seizure once.

[stevimated]

@Killbride hmmmm...

well im glad shes all better now...

well thats all i wanted to know...

[Killbride]

@stevimated Yes, she's doing well now. Thank you.

[AmericanGirlDoll1997]

awh im so sorry. Is she okay now? Ive been sick for awhile :/ grrr i have sumthin wroong wiff my stoumic (gall bladder, kendney, appendix, liver.. alll or dat) i hopeshe is better now! Was it canceris tummor?

[Killbride]

@AmericanGirlDoll1997 The organs are directly affected by the enormous amount of pressure on the brain, and the hydrocephalus that was built up for so long. The fluid puts a huge amount of strain on the skull, and caused most of her motor skills to become weak. The doctors drained a litre of fluid from her, which immediately resolved her headaches, and stomach problems. That could be the condition you are experiencing as well. :/ I should have mentioned this to you earlier.

[supersize97]

thanks u to :D

[supersize97]

thanks you 2

[supersize97]

she is cute :D

[Killbride]

@supersize97 Thank you. She was a sweet girl when she was so soft spoken...it was adorable..."I like to wiggle my toes", she said...lol..:p haha...Good memories :D

Have a great week...

[Killbride]

She is doing fantastic now. We don't believe the cyst will return, thus preventing the tumour from coming back. Although, I see her still struggling with balance issues, most of the side effects are minor or gone completely.

Thanks, and have a great weekend.

[neogogo2]

0_o is she ok now?

[Killbride]

@neogogo2 She's doing fantastic now. Modern medicine has really progressed.

Thanks for asking.

[Sanosuke004]

I had anaplastic astrocytoma and was operated on last summer. Ongoing treatment is going on with antiseizure meds and chemotherapy drugs I take with me when travelling.

[Killbride]

@Sanosuke004 Vicki has one seizure, and I'm sure she would have gone into a coma very soon. We were just so lucky all was taken care of with her surgery alone.

How are things now? Could the surgeons not get everything?

[Killbride]

@Killbride *HAD one seizure*

[petalovespongy]

How is she going now??? Love and best wishes all the way from Sydney Australia xo

[Killbride]

She's great...today she is 12 and towers over her surgeon at 5'5" tall. : ) That's presumably a healthy girl to me :D...lol

Thanks for your kind words..best wishes to you..

[red99able]

Is she ok now I am so sorry she had to go through that pain I hope she never gets a tumor again

[Killbride]

Yes, she's doing great, thank you. She was one of the few to have a benign tumour, and surgery to remove it was less severe than other treatments.

We met a boy there who had leukemia. He was there months before and after us. : ( He's fine, too. : D I appreciate all feedback.. : )

~Happy Holidays~

[danilo93danilo]

raga noooo nn e poxibile

[yankeegurl62]

she's very, very sweet. God bless

[KayDeeKDILLA]

And for the negative person who decided to leave their poison behind, its not necessary, I agree with you, a new lease on life shouldnt be taken lightly... so perhaps theyd be doing better IF they didnt direct their negativity on others. There would also be a video of me too on here but my parents are challenged with the technology! Thanks again!

[Killbride]

If you have the footage already I can help you with the rest. : ) I wasn't ever in my right mind when she went to the hospital...lol

[KayDeeKDILLA]

LOL I WISH my parents dont even know that there is a video option on their camera! THanks so much though! And PLEASE tell Vicki that shes amazing!

[Killbride]

She sure is an inspiration to us all. I'm so proud of her. She never once feared going surgery or anything. Never used it as a crutch..I'm so proud of everyone on here, even the ones who lost someone because they are trying to help others by reaching out. It does a world of good!

[KayDeeKDILLA]

Yes it was benign, its crazy cuz I kept insisting to MANY doctors that there was something wrong with me, and a YEAR later I got and MRI scan n instantly they saw this 4cm "mass" they expained simply IF i survived Id have to anticipate all the horrible things, blindness, no function, parilization and worst off death. I guess JUST like I knew that there was something wrong with me to begin with, I knew that Id survive. And Im thankful for every moment my family.

[Killbride]

That is what happened with Vicki. I believed her, and my family did too, but trying to convince a doctor she was deathly ill was near impossible. It took one doctor to see the light. The neurological tests they do, like follow your finger, test your reflexes etc? She failed them all and each time the doctors excused it. Unreal!! Like what were they testing her for if they were ignoring the obvious!?

Hers was called a Pilocytic Astrocytoma, it sounds exactly like what you had. Hers was 6x4x2 cm.

[KayDeeKDILLA]

I did ALL those exams, even went to the Neurological specialist, and like ALL of them they insited I had "vertigo", I went to the dizziness n balance center for their manipulations over 7 times and even my doctor there said no...this cant be JUST vertigo. So under urgent request I got my MRI, it was called a hemangio blastoma. It was a tumor surrounded by a huge cyst. N worst of all they embelized the cyst and it gave me 5 mini strokes. regardless, I had to relearn to walk, write, draw etc!

[Killbride]

Wow, I wonder what the difference is between them then. It's basically formed by the cyst like yours. Whoa!! You had strokes?!! The worst of it for Vicki was her loss of movement, but she's rehabilitated now. She had a hard time with some of her neuro stuff afterward, but she has overcome most of it.

She might have died if that doctor didn't see her that day in January.

[KayDeeKDILLA]

I really dont know much about the difference, the doctors didnt even give me proper information. I was in the hospital 14 days n the surgeon was like "ok go home" with NO reccomendation for rehab...i mean come on! What if I didnt have my parents there to say NO and refuze to take me home until I had the proper treatment. I did everything for therapy and Im anxiously awating cognative therapy, Ive still got major comprehension problems too. Its just nice to talk to someone  about this, thanks!

[Killbride]

I usually read up on the various ones I hear about. What helps me, helps others. It's something I endeavor because we basically had with no warnings except each level of illness she had endured. I thought she went into 'remission', but it seems absurd since it wasn't cancer. She sort of got better during the summer before the surgery. It redeveloped again, and got worse.

[KayDeeKDILLA]

I too am a survivor of a brain tumor, I want to say its so good to see families love and care for their loved on and I know (plus many prayers) is why I survived. My tumor was on my brain stem at the back of my brain, but Its forever something which I will be proud to have survived! Thank you for sharing this video, it makes me so thankful for life.

[Killbride]

Thank you for your sweet comments. I'm glad you are better now. Was your tumour benign as well? Medicine has come a long way. Cancer is curable, despite what many people believe. If your body is alkaline, disease cannot thrive.

Best of luck to you! Have a great day!

[joebuddz]

And dont let others comments discourage you. What you and your daughter are doing brings attention to these various diseases in the brain and with attention brings support, research and hope to many. Remember that words are the announciation of truth and for those who will listen a means to a possible solution to these afflictions. Say lots of prayers. They have worked well for me. Hang in there and keep on fighting.

[Killbride]

I appreciate your concern, and kind words. I want everyone to share their stories with us, and teach each other words of wisdom. The ones who are discouraging have no place here...it really burns me that they bother with these negative attitudes, but I'm slowly learning to let them roll off my back now. I'm doing what I can to help her and others.

[joebuddz]

keep fighting and never give up. It is important to keep a positive attitiude. It helps alot. Im am currrently recovering from my second brain tumor removal. Mine is called Anaplastic Oligodendroglioma. Its been 3yr since diagnosis. I just had a reacourace and second crainiotomy two weeks ago and still feeling normal as ever. I know how scary it can be at age 27. I can only imagine how scary it would be for a child. Your daughter is a hero and brings hope to me and many others.

[Killbride]

She is a hero, you are a hero, and so are the staff at all the hospitals. Thank you for your support and encouragement. It's never easy for anyone to live with this.

I hope you keep well, and fight the good fight.

[CavaliersRule98]

GOD BLESS YOU FIGHT FOR YOUR LIFE SWEETIE. please dont give up.

[Killbride]

If you read every single comment I made to others you'd see that I'm not ever rude. YOu are the second person to say negative things towards me and I'm at the point in my life that I cannot tolerate it. I've had to stress over her day and night ever since grade 4 wondering if she was going to live for another day. I'm not a drama queen; I have learned a lot about this disease from others, and this is also a way for them to cope as well. I came off as nasty, but I don't like being judged.

[antisocialement]

I had suffer cancer myself at whildhood , and would have hate my parents to film me and put me in such shape all over youtube , whatever the rreason is , its disrespectul I think....What u want? People cry on "how good parents u are?"

[antisocialement]

childhood-i meant

[Killbride]

Grow up. It's shocking that you would react this way. You got a second chance in life, and this is how you live it? Here, she is not sick anymore. She was treated, and is fine. There are hundreds of others who do this, and they never have people slander them. Unless they are morons.

[antisocialement]

I ll add it again : Maybe I m the only want who answered your video in such a straight way , because maybe I the only one commenting your video who has passed throu this at the same age your daughter is , and so yes I still believe that posting a video like this on a media like youtube , is not a way to "teach people things about the disease" but only a way to expose her like a product, I wouldnt have like if my mother would have done this. And 1more thing ; you can also be polite,it's free ;)

[SSGazem]

i understand the pain and the worry but its good that she had some1 to worry about her i had no1 i had to suffer there alone and quit........ sadly its a pain once ur done but at least she is at a young age which is good

[Killbride]

Sadly, we had no family doctor when she needed the diagnosis. She was sick for a year at this point. Afterwards she had an army of professionals..The after effects were not so painful as those before the surgery. It was the hydrocephalus that caused most of it. They removed a liter from her head..That is horrible in itself.

[SSGazem]

oh ya military doctors helped me too the only blessing i guess i got was having the ability to go to military base for doctors even though its there fault i got that sick cause they honestly dont care half the things to obvious issues. ya for me they just cut my head open half way ripped it all out but some of it sticked so i had to get chemo to kill it

[Killbride]

I know what you mean...There is a new procedure called gamma knife..it's a way of using lasers to cut through without cutting the skull. It's way less invasive. Sometimes it's not an option because it takes a few years to complete.

[SSGazem]

ya idk i think our's is old school they slice and dice u X_X but u know i respect u a lot u must really be a loving person to respect ur daughter that much in love and support sadly i wish i lived in a home like that lol in our home when ur sick its a lie lol my cancer was just another excuse for my family to fight and use to there divorse lol

[Killbride]

Strange, but when my family was fighting this happened and brought everyone back together again. I'm sorry you have a terrible family life. It's not making you anymore healthier to live there..people who fight and argue are also acidic and could get sick as well. It's sometimes better to avoid them if possible. I love my daughter, but I had it hard when she was younger. I was single until she turned 8. My ex I don't think he knows about this. He's not involved at all. I fought to have custody.

[jeremygray76]

when I was a junior in high school I was diaagnosed with a astro cytoma in my left brain stem, it ended up being non maligment, and was romoved...today i am 29, healthy, am married and have a 2 year old son!!If you ever need to chat, ill listen. I to had family support, but noone knows unless your in that club. erin

[Killbride]

Well, this is very inspiring news. I don't know how it affects girls, but we hope there is no permanent damage to her that we haven't discovered yet. She will always have instability, but she's at least healthy and strong.

We had just gotten over my step-father's death the year before from lung cancer. It's so bizarre that my daughter would end up with a tumour after that, and now my brother. I feel like we are plagued with them.

[Killbride]

I just came back online to say hello to a few friends. I hope you are all doing well. Summer has finally warmed up and it's almost over : (

At least we had a summer this year :D

[mimi20march2007]

my best friend of 19 has passed away from her brain tumor just this sunday , i miss her so much but i now she is not in pain anymore god bless this little girl with all my heart i hope she gets better xxxxxxx

[Killbride]

Today we were in Hamilton to get the results of her recent MRI. Everything is good so far, but they keep a close watch over her now.

I wish you and yours my sincere condolences. It's a horrible thing to live with, but a horrible thing to die from. My step father passed away of lung cancer the year before, and I watched him helplessly whither away.

[redbike2008]

Feel better soon! Take small sips for him.

[techking00107]

I have a friend who has been diagnosed with a brain tumor. She is a really nice person and i would hate to see anything bad happen to her. I dont know what to do i am still a student and i dont have any cash. Can someone tell me what i could do?

[Killbride]

Support may be all that she needs right now. Research, and helping her with favours, and being a second set of ears for her when they give you information helps greatly. Try organizing a fundraiser through your school or community. Spread your message to everyone, like I'm doing. Find out all you can for her so she can have a speedy recovery. You are already helping her by reaching out to others.

[Killbride]

Do you mind my asking your age? Just so I get an idea of how I can help you. And Do you know what type of tumour she has? Most tumours now can be treated with medication. Hopefully this is the method she will use. My daughter's tumour was formed by a cyst, so not all tumours are malignant.

I wish you the best of luck, and I'll be here if you need to talk more.

Try organizing a dance/concert if possible. Ask your family and friends to help you out. Even local chairties have some funding.

[techking00107]

yea i am 19 years old and i want to say thank you for responding you advice is much appreciated

[Killbride]

I am here to help. There are always things you can do that do not require money. Ask your friends to do a concert or show in a park..or a tournament..

I always reply to my friends : )

[techking00107]

I hope everything works out well for you daughter too. I will remember her in my prayers

[Killbride]

Thank you, sweetie..Keep in touch with me : )

[jaselover67]

Like the lady said give her your support. I had a brain tumour removed last year and am doing great. Things will be fine. Contact me if you need any advice or just a chat x

[techking00107]

Thank you for responding

[Simp44]

I love the fact that we have "free" health care in Canada but it can be frustrating getting the shit(most of the ones I've met)doctors to take you seriously.After years of trying & suffering with dizziness,headaches & hearing loss I was diagnosed last week with an Acoustic Neuroma.

I should be alright(relatively) if I get a good surgeon.I live in Victoria & will probably be going to Vancouver for my surgery.

Where did Victoria get hers done?

[Killbride]

I agree with you, free health care is only as good as getting someone to actually diagnose you, but for Vicki and I, we had no family doctor either. At that point we were seeking every possible clinic, hospital, or information available. We were very lucky that Dr. Wozniak offered to see her. We went to Hamilton McMaster's Children's Hospital which was a better decision than Toronto Sick Kids. It was closer to us. We stayed there for a month before she was transferred to Bloorview.

[Killbride]

They mentioned that we could stay at Ronald McDonald House until she was released. (If that took months or weeks, it was still available to my family which was 5 adults.).

Years??? Vicki suffered with this for about 8 months, but that was more than necessary. You poor thing!! We finally have a family physician looking out for us.

Now Vicki has an entire army of health care professionals watching over her constantly- therapists and other field related individuals.

[Simp44]

I'm glad to hear she has her own army now :)

Acoustic Neuroma is usually slow growing & benign so I should be alright.I'm actually more worried about some other health mysteries I've been dealing with but at least they seem to be paying a bit more attention to me now & sending me for tests.I don't have a family doc yet,still dealing with the clinic.

I hope you're all doing well, My agnostic prayers(happy thoughts) are with you. ;)

[Killbride]

Her tumour wasn't so much the issue either as the problems from the ICP (Intercranial Pressure) she suffered. The fluid made her so sick and listless that it became the health matter at hand.

Some hospitals have a list of doctors accepting new patients. You have probably exhausted every possible effort to acquire one, though. At least I hope you have a specialist to watch over you.

[Killbride]

lol @ agnostic. I believe in the surgeons and doctors, and nurses..without them, she wouldn't be with us.

And thanks for the reply. Hope you have a good weekend.

[egotisticallosers]

i'm so sry to hear about this...

you tube recommended this video to me..

that's weird..

i hope everything's well

[Killbride]

Well, I appreciate your comment. Thank you. It has gotten a lot of hits. I'm going to try to upload her news feature soon.

[lesza151291]

is she dead?

[Killbride]

No, she's alive and well.

[Killbride]

Her surgeons were most excellent though. I have so much respect for them. They saved her life. They are the best in Canada I hear. And soooo nice...great with children.

The statistics are that 1 in a hundred thousand kids will get a brain tumour, but 1 in 3 are benign.

But they say she could have been born with it since it took so long to show signs.

[Killbride]

Numbness is a symptom I never heard of, but she was dizzy, and lost control of her legs a few times. New Year's Eve she fell and smashed into our coffee table (solid wood) and broke a molar in her mouth. Christmas Eve she collapsed a few times too. No one took her seriously except myself and my boyfriend. The doctors wouldn't treat her until the one who took her in sent her for a CT scan. Then that's when everything took place.

[oliviabenson]

i had a pilocytic astrocytoma removed january 3, 2006. i was 16 then and im 19 now. the tumor came back. my thoughts and prayers are with you.

[Killbride]

Oh noooo...Were they able to remove the tumour again? See, I'm still worried about this. There were no symptoms for a long time until she got sick with strep throat, then she never recovered until after surgery.

Scary, but that is the same date (January 3) my daughter had her surgery, this year.

I just recently found out my brother also has a tumour in his leg, but I believe because he smokes and drinks. He has had surgery on it a few times because of his ankle when he broke it.

[oliviabenson]

i have just been living with it. i have an MRI dec 19th and well see if they have grown, stayed the same or shrunk. i had headaches the day after Christmas 2005 and i was taken to the doctor new years eve and rushed by ambulance to a renowned childrens hospital 3 hours away. i then underwent a 7 hour surgery 01.03.06.

[Killbride]

Vicki was sick for months with this -the headaches, etc, and no one tried to help her until we saw a new doctor who took her in as a walk-in patient. Otherwise, she may not be with us today.

She has an MRI this Saturday, ever 6 months to make sure it doesn't return, and I was hopeful until you told me they can come back. Hers was on the brain stem, where is yours?

[Killbride]

She had a shunt inserted the first night, but this was only to refuce the pressure. Her second surgery took only 4 hours, but they said it could take up to 6-8 hours. Most of it was getting the tube inserted properly, but there were no other complications.

Did you sense any changes afterwards? Like concentration, memory, or personality?

[oliviabenson]

dont lose hope-my neurosurgeon who is one of the heads of his dept has seen these types of tumors shrink and disappear. i am coming up on three years from when i was first diagnosed and operated on. i have only had that one surgery, and i am in college now and living life. it will control your life if you let it, and so i live life the way i want to! i had headaches for a week-parents thought i was fine, but i got really bad with throwing up and numbness on new years eve. i got bad quick.

[kickcancer]

I love eating popcicles with the nurse

[divitawhite]

how is she doing now? Best of wishes for you all, specially for her!

[Killbride]

Hello, and thanks! We are all grateful to the people who were there for her when we needed them. She's doing excellent now. There is no sign of her having illness or surgery at all now. It's remarkable, but true! It's a miracle that she made it through this without complications. She had physio, but has been since discharged after a few visits. We're looking forward to a normal Christmas holiday this time around.

It's almost been a year ago since her hospitalization.

Have a great weekend.

[divitawhite]

Oh I'm glad to see she's getting better! Our best wishes for all of you this Christmas Season and for the upcoming year! :)

[Killbride]

Yes, these are usually like migraines accompanied with vomitting and nausea. It is contrived by the build up of CSF (Spinal Fluid) through the cranium. This pressure causes the brain to react in a way that you lose control, thus having seizures, headaches, visual problems, troubles walking or talking, etc. You could also have issues writing or eating.

Try buying a flat screen monitor so it sits further away from you. The power it generates usually afftects some people more than others.

[xazngiirlx]

oh right thanx! but u dont think its nothing to worry about right? because tumour headaches are really intense ones?

[Killbride]

If it is only from this you may need to wear glasses or abstain from using the computer for a few days. I felt the same way from using a large monitor, but I recommend using a flat screen monitor which sits closer to the wall, and thus, away from you. Usually the symptoms go hand in hand with dizziness and loss of motor functions. I would consult a doctor if you have any of these. My daughter's tumour was benign, so this can differentiate between more common forms of tumours.

Best wishes!!

[xazngiirlx]

what if you generally have a light headache e.g from the computer? what are the symptoms of a tumour do u nknow? are headaches something to worry about? i sometimes get headache from computer

[xazngiirlx]

what were her sypmtoms that made you think she had a brain tumour?

[Killbride]

That's the problem here. We didn't know. Not until we got the MRI and CT scan. It was a total fluke we got a doctor to sign for the tests because everyone else thought it was the flu, growing pains, migraines, etc. No doctor gave it real consideration. She had all of the symptoms of the tumour, but not one hospital or clinic detected them as signs. Clearly, if you look it up anywhere on the internet it would probably be so obvious that it would slap them in the face.

We are just really lucky.

[Killbride]

My boyfriend thought it was a tumour by reading up on the internet, but the confusing thing was how she started out sick from stomach troubles in March 2007, and the headaches were secondary. Then she went into 'remission' for the whole summer and we thought the problem went away on its own. We were totally baffled because we were treating her for acid reflux the whole time, and the medicine worked! Strangely enough, the second time it did nothing. That's why it was so hard to conceive.

[Killbride]

We are lucky to have found a doctor who cared enough to follow through with our concerns.

Today, she is attending sixth grade and enjoying her time spent with her classmates.

How did you find out you were sick? How long did it take to get the results?

[blurry1974]

Thank you so much for posting your video & i hope she is still doing fine

I had a grade3 anaplastic astrocytoma removed on 23rd of june this year, and 2 days ago finished my 6 weeks of radiation therapy. I am not sure if chemo therapy will be used or not, as i was told that type of tumor does not respond to chemotherapy.

My thoughts are with you.

Paul 34, Melbourne, Australia

[Killbride]

My daughter is doing well since this illness which originally began in February of 2007 after a strep throat infection. Even though the syptoms cleared up, she still felt really sick. The doctors were very baffled, and the hospitals didn't have a clue how to treat her. Some thought she was pretending and was having problems at school and was avoiding it. Another thought she stood up too fast and felt dizzy. Such a pathetic diagnosis for a hospital who specialize in cancer treatments.

(More)

[Killbride]

We struggled for months trying to understand why she was getting worse even after all the tests. She was rushed in by ambulance to Hamilton McMaster's Hospital for immediate surgery and had a shunt inserted to relieve the pressure which made her so sick. They drained over a litre of fluid after that.

The surgery was supposed to be between 6-8 hours, and even with minor complications it took less than four.

[Killbride]

She's made and amazing recovery, but there are still minor issues related to surgery she will continue to work on, such as stability on her left side. I'm just glad to have her home again.

Are you finally able to get back on your feet? Where was your tumour? Vicki's was on her brain stem. I'm waiting for the results to be posted online sometime in the near future. When they become available I'll be sure to share.

Best wishes and I hope all goes well for you in the future.

Christine

[Musicforever436]

I hope she is ok now

[Killbride]

She's doing great-she already returned back to school so she's well on her way.

Thank you!!

[honeyyyvicky]

I hope now she's ok....

Be brave.

[Killbride]

She's doing well, thank you. I hope no one ever has to go through this.

[RenzoColameo]

I pray for her and all sick children..... God Blessing...

[Killbride]

You're so sweet. Thanks very much.

[BGrade15]

Hey, God bless you and your family, may I ask out of question what her symptoms were? Were they just headaches or did she have other neurological symptoms such as clumsiness/falling over/vision problems?

[Killbride]

She had everything as far as symtoms go. I'm unclear what more evidence the doctors required before they took this seriously. She fell 3 times, and had a seizure as well. Headaches, vomitting, blurred vision and the inability to use her hands anymore. She was considered stage 1, but she was also near death. Her hydracephalus built up to 38 and normal is 20. That could have caused an annurism or coma alone. The doctors told us she could have died on the operating table then and there.

[BGrade15]

So, after all these symptoms and having your daughter at death's door in just several months, they still weren't taking it seriously? That is an absoloute disgrace! She'd had a seizure, headaches, vomitting, inabilities and yet they insisted it was nothing? That is disgraceful, what more "evidence" did they want?

Anyway your daughter is beautiful though and you're one very lucky mom and God will continue to bless you all! As for the doctors you saw...I just hope they can live with themselves.

[Killbride]

You'd cry if you heard what they said..coming of age..stood up too fast, flu symptoms. What a crock. And they spend a decade learning how to treat people.

[BGrade15]

That's the scary thing, isn't it? These "professionals" spend goodness knows how many years training to spot serious illnesses such as brain tumours/cancers in general. Here in the UK, we have something called the National Health Service (NHS) and I'm pretty sure they'd have sent your daughter for an MRI scan immediately after having heard about her symptoms.

Anyway, I'm glad your daughter is well and you've clearly moved on from this awful experience.xx

[Killbride]

Only one or two doctors cared enough to determine the cause. One is a family doctor who sent her for the CAT scan, the other doctor did try, but was wrong on his diagnosis. He treated her for liver disease, and only tried to fix the bile issue. I believe the reason they were stumped is because how rare it is. The hospitals and clinics turned her away without treatment. I'm so full of rage today because of it.

(3 in one hundred thousand children will have a brain tumour, 1 in 3 are benign.)

[EVILXUE]

god bless her and your family.. take care..

[Killbride]

Aww...thank you so much.

[Killbride]

The tube inserted at the front is a shunt to drain the litre of fluid that built up inside her skull. No wonder she was sick with headaches! And it was all in her head they said.. : ((((

[Killbride]

This was my daughter in January. : (

She was sick for several months before this, and no one treated her at all. She was fine after the surgery, though. It was benign, so this will probably never ever have to happen to her/us again. She spent 6 months in the hospital after the two surgeries, one was a shunt, and the other was a cyst on the brain stem. They sent her to rehab for physiotherapy because she couldn't walk afterwards. She finally was discharged in April, and is back in school now.

[SIM754]

I did'nt know it was your daughter but I am glad she is fine now. I wish you and her the best.

[SIM754]

You know when I whistleblowed things concerning nuclear safety at our nuclear plant, in Qc I thought we had already enough cancers in Trois-Rivières region. I was always thinking at the young childrens that could be the next one to suffer from this nuclear that sended me sick. This young girl in the clip could have been my daughter or the daughter of any person our nuclear plant could have put this way. I dont like nuclear anymore, I will ask to put this money in medical researches instead nuke

[Killbride]

My boyfriend was in Quebec when she was rushed by ambulance. He had just arrived there the day before, and knew she was going for tests the next day, but he was looking at $12 thousand for 3 weeks, which would have been nice if had he stayed there. He found out the hard way-by calling home and his mother answered the phone, not me. And then returned home to Hamilton instead of Toronto. We spent 3 weeks in Hamilton at the Ronald McDonald House. I want to donate to McMaster's and RMH Charities.