In March 2017, the tumor had shrunk by about 25%, most likely due to a new treatment plan. There was hope that the tumor would continue to shrink, and that her vision would stabilize, but in June 2018, her family shared:
“We found out last week that Grace’s tumor has grown about 25% since her MRI three months ago. So, unfortunately, she’ll be starting treatment again as early as next week. Luckily, the new growth is in a part of her tumor that doesn’t directly affect her optic nerves or other sensitive areas, so she hasn’t been symptomatic. You may have noticed that Grace is now wearing glasses. Those are mostly to protect the vision in her left eye. Her right eye has been more affected by the tumor and doesn’t add much to her overall vision. We’ve spent the last few days getting second opinions and trying to understand what our options are at this point. Our doctors have recommended that we enroll Grace in a clinical trial since her previous medications haven’t been all that effective in keeping her tumor in check over the long term. The clinical trial drug has some drawbacks, and we’re not convinced that it’s the right treatment for Grace right now. We’ll be making that decision in the coming days.
We appreciate everyone’s support and would appreciate your prayers as we and Grace’s doctors try to figure out our next steps. We’ve told Grace what is going on, and while she’s not happy about having to go back on treatment, she’s taking the news with the same resilience and tenacity that she’s shown throughout these last four years.”
Grace loves art, drama, gymnastics, soccer and playing with her friends and family. She is a strong, loving, outgoing little girl.
Every child who has been diagnosed with childhood cancer inspires us to Rally On to find better treatments with fewer long-term side effects and, ultimately, cures. Please join us in the fight against childhood cancer by making a donation or setting up your own Rally fundraiser today.
