Thursday, January 14, 2010

Malignant Brain Tumor



Last Friday, one of my current students, Anali, was diagnosed with a large malignant brain tumor at the base of her skull.  The very next day she underwent surgery to remove it.  The surgeons were unable to remove all of it because it was intertwined with a bunch of nerves that control body movement.

Anali came out of the surgery okay, but her future is uncertain.  She will receive radiation or chemotherapy or both.

Anali had been complaining of headaches for several weeks, and doctors just brushed them off as normal "childhood growing pains".  Finally, after much insisting from her parents, they agreed to do a CAT scan, with no time to spare.

Anali is a sweet, easy going, hardworking girl, and her family is the same way.  I feel so sad for them and the emotional upheaval they are going through, and the battle they have ahead of them.

Sometimes, life just really blows.
.

36 comments:

Cheri @ Blog This Mom!® said...

Indeed.

I will keep Anali and you in my thoughts and prayers.

lisa said...

When it's a child, it makes it all the worse.

This type of diagnosis is becoming all too common.

Jan said...

It sucks, too.

That poor kid.

The Incredible Woody said...

Damn! I hate cancer.

Kelley with Amy's Angels said...

It frustrates me to no end when dr's just brush things off! I'm grateful they found it, but yes, it just blows. Thinking of her and her family!

Teacher Tom said...

Crap.

Kelly said...

Yes. Yes it does. My thoughts are with Anali and her family.

Justine said...

This is absolutely heartbreaking. It's one thing to hear a story of a young child afflicted with something like this. It's probably a whole 'nother thing when it's a child you know and care about.

Justine :o (

Martha said...

I am so sorry for this little girl and her family and wish them the best.
Life blows big donk.ey turds sometimes.

Maureen@IslandRoar said...

Oh, I'm so sorry. I've taken care of kids with brain tumors.
Depending on the type, things might go really well, with more treatment.
I am so sorry she, and her family, and you, have to go thru this.

sybil law said...

Dammit, it really does.
I will definitely pray for that girl and her family.
xo

Busy Bee Suz said...

Yes, this really blows.
I am glad her parents did not just blow her off too.
Prayers for her***

Jenn @ Juggling Life said...

So much sadness today.

ree said...

damn. just. damn.

smiles4u said...

Oh Jason, I am so sorry. I've just said a prayer for her, her family and you. Thanks for sharing. I do believe in the power of prayer. XX Lori

jlo said...

Any word on how she's recovering? Have you seen her yet?
I hate cancer.

ChiTown Girl said...

I will surely be saying a prayer for Anali.

tera said...

You have to wonder why we are getting so many cancer diagnoses these days...is it the same number as always and we just didn't know before? or are we becoming more toxic? And I don't understand why doctors are so reluctant to actually look for problems instead of blowing stuff off.
My prayers and positive thoughts go out for Anali and her family.

Twenty Four At Heart said...

That's heartbreaking. I can't even begin to imagine what they're going thru. : (

I don't want to ruin any surprises ... but I just did the software program for my contest -- and it might cheer you up a little to check 24 tomorrow morning when I publish the results.

But shhhhhh!! Don't tell anyone I leaked ANYTHING ahead of time!

The Girl Next Door said...

Props to the parents for not accepting the "teenage headache" lame diagnosis. props to you, her loving teacher, for calling out for prayer. We're with you, and her.

Grandma J said...

I hate cancer....especially Childhood cancer. My prayers go our for a complete healing for sweet Anali and God's strength and comfort for her family.

Caroline said...

I agree with Grandma J...that sucks...and I am saying prayers!

SabrinaT said...

Sending prayers!!!

Katrine said...

Poor little one. God bless Anali.

Manic Mommy said...

Sigh. Poor, poor girl. Poor parents. Prayers for everyone.
Please keep us informed.

TechnoBabe said...

I hope that each day for Anali is a treasure and that she is loved beyond measure.

Frau said...

You got that right! My heart aches for her and her family.

karen gerstenberger said...

Jason, I'm so sorry to hear this. The only thing I can think to suggest right now is that they get a caringbridge site set up. If you want my help, send me a fb message or email. God bless them!

Faiqa said...

I try not to use the phrase "I hate," but, wow, I hate cancer.

Farmers Wife said...

Very sad.....I will be thinking of her...

Tammy said...

So very sad.

mountaindoodler said...

Very sad. Sending positive vibes her way/

Eternal Lizdom said...

I agree- life really does suck sometimes.

I'm glad her parents stood up to the medical community and fought for answers.

Grand Pooba said...

Wow. That is just terrible! I HATE it when kids get sick like that, it's just not fare.

Life with Kaishon said...

Oh my gosh. That made me cry.

Joanie said...

Praying, praying, praying!