It went from a simple 'pain in the guts' to a very serious diagnosis within the space of three weeks. Starting out as an intussusception, where one segment of intestine ‘telescopes’ inside another. The first operation pulled everything back into its place and one week later, the same issue occurred again. Upon the surgeons operating the second time, the cause of the intussusception was found – a tumour. It was sent off for biopsy and was confirmed to be Burkitt Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma.
A week and a half of more testing, PET, MRI and CT scanning resulted in a possible dark spot of the pelvis area, and could possibly be in the bone marrow. It is hopeful that due to Mitch’s age, it may just be bones yet to fuse together. Chemotherapy treatment has started, two rounds of chemo treatment initially, and then more scanning and testing to determine the road ahead. If the pelvis area does shrink, it will include more testing, biopsy and more treatment.
Mitchell is in his first year of school, and is still in very high spirits. He has been taught to be a tough cookie, and often lets very little get to him. Donating to this cause will assist with Mitch’s treatment, and the diagnosis and research for many other children.
We’re raising money in aid of the Children’s Cancer Foundation; who work closely with the cancer centre at the Monash Children’s Hospital, where Mitchell is currently seeking treatment. Thank you in advance for your contribution to this cause that means so much to our family.
More information:
- Burkitt’s Lymphoma (BL). A very aggressive form of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and commonly affects children, with males being affected more frequently. The disease may be associated with the viral infection such as HIV and glandular fever. BL accounts for 30 – 40% of all childhood lymphomas and occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 10 years. Most common symptoms are swollen lymph nodes and abdominal swelling. BL may also affect other organs such as eyes, ovaries, kidneys, central nervous system and glandular tissue such as breast, thyroid or tonsil. Please read more about Burkitt’s Non Hodgkin Lymphoma here: https://www.lymphoma.org.au/page/1225/burkitt-lymphoma
- Children's Cancer Foundation. We stand united with parents, researchers, doctors and families, committed to being the change-makers. We know better, kinder childhood cancer treatment is possible, and we're making it happen. The challenge of childhood cancer is real, and we won't rest until it's gone. Together we are stronger; and we're putting every donation from the community to work, to support the cause. Your vital contribution is helping beat childhood cancer for good, bringing the horizon of success closer.
