How it All Started

Rosie is our 2 years and 5 months old daughter and had been suffering from headaches, dizziness, low appetite, severe constipation, dehydration, weakness and irritability for 2 months. She was seen by out patient doctors, our local hospital, and by family physician. They dealt with a few of her symptoms and sent her home. They missed to see the whole picture.

As Rosie's condition worsen, we decided to send her straight to SickKids Hospital. CT Scan has showed that she has 'Posterior Fossa Tumour' and Hydrocephalus. Her brain herniated while in Emergency Department at Sick Kids. Luckily, the neurosurgeon was witnessing this event and rushed her to surgery to place a 'External Ventricular Drain' (external shunt) to help relieve the pressure off her brain from extra Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF). The tumour has pushed her Cerebellum blocking the draining of CSF. Her Tumour was removed the next day. MRI shows no traces of left over tumour and bleeding post surgery. Mom has to stop working and care for Rosie full time at the hospital and dad to care for the other siblings (one with Asperger's Syndrome), care for home, and return to work. The diagnoses is also difficult for her maternal grandparents since Rosie's uncle died of Brain Tumour at age 4.

Post surgery, she experienced headaches, double vision, itchy eyes, irritability, muscle weakness and muffled speech. She is anxious when cared for by nurses as they do their assessments and when doctors come to see her. Her medication includes Dexamethasone (anti-inflammatory corticosteroid) and Ranitidine (antacid), analgesics (Tylenol, Advil, Morphine) and laxatives (Polyethylene Glycol, Bisacodyl, Fleet). She also is hydrated with D5W + KCL + NaCL.

After a week, Rosie shows progress in her health status. She started to sit up, feed herself, smile and laugh. Every moment we share with her is treasured. Pathology exam leans towards two possible diagnoses: Medulloblastoma or Atypical Rhabdoid. Both are malignant cancers which can spread and grow. Both requires chemotherapy and possible radiation therapy. Once the diagnosis is confirmed, she is most likely be transferred to the care of the oncologist.

Rosie is a strong and brave girl. We are thankful to God for our precious girl and for His continuous blessing in helping Rosie and the family from these challenges.

Thank you for your continuous prayers, gifts, yummy foods, toys, clothes, and especially love.













For detailed events & more photos, see Mom's Journal - A life changing moment