My little girl Abby was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma on May 3rd of 2018. After suffering severe headaches then it escalated to vomiting also. Waking up with headaches. We took her into her doctor shortly after Easter, then to a neurologist on May 3rd who scoffed it off as allergy-induced migraines. He proceeded to tell us he sees many kids a day with similar symptoms. So we left with no answers.
So her primary was concerned and sent us right away to the ER for a CT scan. Which then we were told she has a brain tumor on her brainstem. My world was completely shattered. We were whisked off via ambulance to C. S. Mott Children’s hospital. She had a total resection on May 7th. No evidence of cancer in her spine which happens. She suffered a few setbacks because of Posterior Fossa Syndrom. Her dominant right hand was no longer useful. She suffered double vision for weeks, her balance and walking were a struggle.
We spent about a month in the hospital and June 8 we started radiation and finished treatment July 19th. She lost her hair but remained brave and smiling. We started PT/OT in early June and we are still going. Our chemo maintenance started on August 28th. Her hair that was growing back she ended up losing it on Nov 28th. We have had many ups and downs. Abby had a G-tube put in because she was in failure to thrive on Oct 1st. She has suffered emotionally and physically.
We are trying to keep her positive and fighting. But I have noticed many changes in her. My once outgoing chatterbox has become reclusive and sad. Her main emotions are mad, sad and confusion. Her emotional health is suffering just as much as her physical health. But we are in this fight to win. Our journey doesn’t end until July 11. But we are never giving up.
Cancer doesn’t take a break and neither will we. She is my shining star and we will beat this together. Thank you. We need more Awareness we need more voices, more funding and research. I will never stop fighting for my daughter or any child that has had to hear the words “you have cancer.”
Friends of Layla
Layla’s Legacy Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization funding innovative pediatric brain cancer research while bringing hope and help to families impacted by the disease.
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