*Update 11/2/20* Aaron's foster dad here, just wanted to give some more background and an update. A short time ago, Aaron's foster mom and I noticed that his right eye was changing colors from blue to green. We brought this up to his NP at his checkup on October 14th, and she noticed some spots on his retina. We were referred to a pediatric ophthalmologist in Fort Worth, TX. On October 16th, he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma in both eyes. Retinoblastoma is a rare childhood eye cancer that can be hereditary. His biological mother and uncle both had it, and his bio mother lost her eye.
Because the prognosis for survival gets dramatically worse if it spreads beyond the eyes, treatment was started rapidly. We were referred that same day to a retina specialist. We found out on the way to that doctor's office that he does not take Medicaid, Aaron's insurance.
The retina specialist examined his eyes and began planning treatment in conjunction with Cook Children's hospital. Shortly thereafter, Aaron had an eye exam and MRI under anesthesia to verify the tumors had not left his eyes and to help formulate a treatment plan. We met with his neuro-oncologist and she confirmed that the tumors were still confined to his eyes. His left eye has one discreet tumor, and it is believed he has a great chance to keep that eye and his vision. His right eye (the one that changed colors), however, is far worse. The oncologist could not rule out the possibility that he will lose that eye, and if he keeps it some degree of vision loss is likely, up to total loss of vision.
His treatment includes systemic chemotherapy to prevent the tumors from spreading and laser and cryotherapy on his retinas. While some costs are covered, the doctor that is doing the retina exams and the laser and cryotherapy treatments does not take his insurance, and the office visits alone have already cost hundreds of dollars. We are asking for help with those medical bills and travel expenses, as we live over 150 miles from the hospital. Anything helps, and if you don't find yourself in a position to be able to donate, it would be great if you could share this post with others.
Aaron began his chemotherapy on October 29th and left the hospital on his second birthday on October 31st. *Update 11/2/20*
*Original Post* Asking for prayers and help for my grandson . He will be 2 on Oct 31, and was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma. He begins chemo treatment on his birthday. He has a large tumor behind one eye and a smaller one behind the other. The Doctor, who will be doing his care does not take Medicaid. *Original Post*
Because the prognosis for survival gets dramatically worse if it spreads beyond the eyes, treatment was started rapidly. We were referred that same day to a retina specialist. We found out on the way to that doctor's office that he does not take Medicaid, Aaron's insurance.
The retina specialist examined his eyes and began planning treatment in conjunction with Cook Children's hospital. Shortly thereafter, Aaron had an eye exam and MRI under anesthesia to verify the tumors had not left his eyes and to help formulate a treatment plan. We met with his neuro-oncologist and she confirmed that the tumors were still confined to his eyes. His left eye has one discreet tumor, and it is believed he has a great chance to keep that eye and his vision. His right eye (the one that changed colors), however, is far worse. The oncologist could not rule out the possibility that he will lose that eye, and if he keeps it some degree of vision loss is likely, up to total loss of vision.
His treatment includes systemic chemotherapy to prevent the tumors from spreading and laser and cryotherapy on his retinas. While some costs are covered, the doctor that is doing the retina exams and the laser and cryotherapy treatments does not take his insurance, and the office visits alone have already cost hundreds of dollars. We are asking for help with those medical bills and travel expenses, as we live over 150 miles from the hospital. Anything helps, and if you don't find yourself in a position to be able to donate, it would be great if you could share this post with others.
Aaron began his chemotherapy on October 29th and left the hospital on his second birthday on October 31st. *Update 11/2/20*
*Original Post* Asking for prayers and help for my grandson . He will be 2 on Oct 31, and was diagnosed with Retinoblastoma. He begins chemo treatment on his birthday. He has a large tumor behind one eye and a smaller one behind the other. The Doctor, who will be doing his care does not take Medicaid. *Original Post*