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 helplessly question 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 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, after which she seemed to recover.
She was supposed to take a leave from school, but despite my concerns, she 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 eye on her, but on the fourth morning, I noticed that my daughter's right eyelid was drooping about halfway.
My instincts 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, I thought it wasn’t serious, but after meeting Dr.
Zhao, he immediately recognized the severity of my daughter’s condition.
After a series of examinations and reports, I could hardly bear the weight of this situation.
It felt like a bolt from the blue, piercing my heart with unimaginable pain that words cannot describe! 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, I signed the consent form for the surgery with a bleeding heart.
(What would I do if something went wrong?) My hands trembled as I thought about it.
With the blessings of Guanyin Bodhisattva, my daughter successfully completed the 8-hour surgery, but the pain in my heart intensified at that moment.
I hope that kind-hearted individuals from all walks of life can provide assistance to save my daughter.
We will be eternally grateful to you.
Thank you!

Ou, 30~39 year old female. Ask Date: 2002/09/19

Dr. Du Haojie reply Neurology

Although cervical and thoracic spine nerve tumors are difficult to eradicate, with patient cooperation and adherence to the physician's treatment plan, gradual recovery is possible.

Reply Date: 2002/09/19

More Info

I'm truly sorry to hear about your daughter's situation. It’s understandable that you feel overwhelmed and desperate for answers and support. Your daughter's diagnosis of a cervical spine tumor, specifically a neurogenic tumor, is indeed a serious matter. Neurogenic tumors can arise from nerve tissues and can be benign or malignant. The fact that it is located in the cervical region adds complexity due to the proximity to critical structures such as the spinal cord and nerves.

The surgery your daughter underwent is a significant step, and it’s commendable that you made the decision to proceed despite the risks involved. Surgery for tumors in the cervical spine often aims to relieve pressure on the spinal cord and nerves, which can help alleviate symptoms such as pain, weakness, or numbness. However, as you mentioned, complete removal may not always be possible, and there is a risk of recurrence. This is a common challenge in the management of neurogenic tumors.

Post-surgery, it’s crucial to monitor your daughter closely for any signs of complications or recurrence. Regular follow-ups with her healthcare team will be essential. They may recommend imaging studies, such as MRI or CT scans, to keep an eye on the surgical site and any remaining tumor tissue. Additionally, physical therapy may be beneficial to help her regain strength and balance, especially if she experiences any neurological deficits.

While it’s true that there are currently no specific medications to treat neurogenic tumors directly, supportive care is vital. This can include pain management, physical rehabilitation, and psychological support for both your daughter and your family. It’s also important to maintain open communication with her medical team about any new symptoms or concerns that arise.

In terms of emotional support, consider reaching out to support groups for families dealing with similar situations. Connecting with others who understand your struggles can provide comfort and practical advice. Additionally, counseling services may help you and your family cope with the emotional toll of this experience.

If you are looking for alternative treatment options or clinical trials, it may be worthwhile to discuss these with her oncologist. They can provide guidance on whether any experimental therapies or newer treatment modalities might be appropriate for her case.

Lastly, while it’s natural to seek help from various sources, be cautious about unverified treatments or remedies that may not have scientific backing. Always consult with her healthcare providers before trying new therapies.

Your love and dedication to your daughter are evident, and it’s important to take care of yourself as well during this challenging time. Remember, you are not alone in this fight, and there are resources and people willing to support you and your family.

Similar Q&A

Navigating Diabetes Complications: A Daughter's Plea for Guidance

My father, who has always had a strong personality, has been suffering from diabetes for the past three years without letting any of his friends or family know. It wasn't until December 29 of last year that I returned home and found him lying in bed. I asked, "Dad, why ...

Dr. Yang Jun reply Internal Medicine
Hello: In response to your inquiry, I am deeply sorry to hear about your father's condition. The complications of diabetes include macrovascular diseases such as heart and cerebrovascular disorders, as well as microvascular diseases like retinopathy, nephropathy, and periphe...

Helping My Daughter Overcome Anorexia: A Parent's Struggle

I have a 26-year-old daughter who has been under significant stress due to writing her thesis. Over a year ago, she began exhibiting suicidal behaviors and was referred to the psychiatric department at Shin Kong Hospital (Dr. Chou). Her emotional state has improved somewhat, but ...

Dr. Zhang Jiafen reply Psychiatry
Hello, from your letter, I can sense your concern and the helplessness of wanting to help your beloved daughter but feeling unable to do so. The difficulties faced by families in caregiving include not only dealing with the patient's evident rejection and resistance to treat...

Addressing Mental Health Concerns in a Family Member After Illness

The father at home underwent surgery for cancer last year and is currently resting at home. Over the past two months, due to irregular medication use and abnormal eating and sleeping patterns, he has begun to exhibit unstable mental health. He often alternates between crying and ...

Dr. Yu Quanxun reply Psychiatry
Caring for cancer patients requires attention to multiple aspects, and your role as a family member is indeed challenging. Based on your description, your father has no prior history of mental illness and has a record of cancer and surgery. Given that the symptoms appeared sudden...

Navigating Mental Health Challenges: A Mother's Plea for Help

I'm sorry to hear about your situation. It sounds incredibly challenging. It's important to address your daughter's mental health concerns with a qualified professional. If you feel that the current treatment is not effective, it may be worth seeking a second opini...

Dr. Ding Shuyan reply Psychiatry
Hello, many things can be viewed in detail, or we can simply check if the overall direction is correct; some people assess success or failure based on results, while others believe that the process of achieving those results is more important. In medical care, some patients think...