Desperate Plea for Help: A Father's Fight Against His Daughter's Tumor

Oh God, is there anyone who can help me, save my child?

With a sigh, I find myself speechless, questioning the heavens.
In July, my family fell into unprecedented sorrow.
My surname is Hsu, and I am 35 years old.
My eldest daughter just turned 10 today.
One morning, a week before the end of the school term, she went to the breakfast shop to buy breakfast for her younger siblings as usual.
My spouse and I were busy managing our business and preparing for the day.
When my daughter returned home, her face was pale, her hands and feet were cold, and she was sweating profusely.
I initially thought it was due to the heat from the previous days and didn’t pay much attention, only giving her a massage for about 20 minutes until she felt better.
She was supposed to take a leave from school, but my daughter insisted on going, so my spouse took her on a scooter.
After school, I couldn’t shake off my worries, so I took her to the pediatric department at the hospital in the afternoon.
The doctor said it was nothing serious.
This went on for 3-4 days, during which she frequently complained of neck pain.
My spouse and I kept a close watch on her, but on the fourth morning, I noticed that my daughter’s right eyelid was drooping about halfway.
My intuition told me something was wrong.
I took her to see doctors again, both traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine, but no one could determine the cause.
Initially, we thought it was not serious.
However, when we met Dr.
Zhao, he immediately recognized the severity of my daughter’s condition.
After a series of examinations and tests, I could hardly bear the weight of this situation; it felt like a thunderbolt striking me, a pain that words cannot describe! Oh God! Why did this happen? The doctor’s report indicated a cervical thoracic nerve tumor.
My daughter has a neurogenic tumor located between the second and eighth cervical vertebrae.
Currently, this condition can only be partially removed through surgery, and it cannot be completely eradicated.
Moreover, there is no medication available for this disease, and there is always a possibility of recurrence after surgery.
Additionally, if the surgery affects the nerves, she may lose balance and strength in her limbs.
After much contemplation and struggle, with a heart full of anguish, I signed the consent form for the surgery.
(If something were to go wrong, how could I possibly live with that?) My hands trembled as I thought about it.
With the blessings of Guanyin Bodhisattva, my daughter successfully underwent an 8-hour surgery and came out safely, but the pain in my heart is now even more intense...
I hope that kind-hearted individuals can provide assistance to save my daughter.
We will be eternally grateful to you.
Thank you!

h.i.ou, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/08/28

Dr. Ye Boshou reply Neurology

Spinal nerve tumors can only be treated through surgery, and we are fortunate that the surgery for my daughter was successful.
The advancement of medical technology is rapid, and diseases that currently cannot be treated with medication may have new developments in the future, so do not lose hope.

Reply Date: 2002/08/28

More Info

I'm truly sorry to hear about your daughter's condition. It must be incredibly difficult for you and your family to face such a challenging situation. Your daughter's diagnosis of a cervical spine tumor, particularly a neurogenic tumor, is indeed serious and understandably causes a great deal of concern.

Neurogenic tumors can arise from the nerve tissues and can be benign or malignant. The fact that your daughter has undergone surgery to remove part of the tumor is a significant step, but as you mentioned, complete removal may not be possible, and there is a risk of recurrence. This is a common concern with tumors located near critical structures such as nerves, where complete excision may compromise function.

Post-surgery, it's crucial to monitor her closely for any signs of complications or recurrence. Regular follow-ups with her healthcare team, including pediatric oncologists and neurologists, will be essential. They may recommend imaging studies, such as MRI scans, to keep an eye on the surgical site and any potential regrowth of the tumor.

In terms of treatment options, while there may not be a specific medication to treat neurogenic tumors directly, supportive care is vital. This can include physical therapy to help regain strength and balance, especially if there are any neurological deficits following surgery. Pain management and psychological support are also important aspects of her recovery.

You might also want to explore clinical trials. These trials often investigate new treatments that are not yet widely available and may provide additional options for your daughter. Discussing this with her medical team could open up new avenues for her care.

Additionally, consider seeking support from patient advocacy groups or organizations focused on childhood cancers and tumors. These groups can provide resources, emotional support, and connections to other families who have faced similar challenges.

It's understandable to feel overwhelmed and desperate in such a situation. Remember, it's okay to seek help not just for your daughter but for yourself and your family as well. Counseling or support groups can provide a safe space to express your feelings and find comfort in shared experiences.

Lastly, while the journey ahead may be daunting, maintaining hope and focusing on your daughter's well-being is crucial. Surround her with love and support, and continue to advocate for her health. Your strength as a parent will be a vital part of her healing process.

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