Saturday 29 October 2016

Non Quilting Topic - Retinoblastoma

I don't normally share personal stuff on my blog, but am making an exception this time. This past week has been a whirlwind. It all started out innocently enough our daughter took her youngest son in for a routine eye exam, it quickly became a nightmare. 

Brandon 

In less than a week this cute little 3 year old went from what we thought was healthy to having been diagnosed with Retinoblastoma in his left eye. Two days later we were at the Ivy Eye Institute in London. The next morning his parents were on their way with him to Sick Kids in Toronto. He has had surgery and the doctors removed his left eye on Thursday.

Brandon with his brother and sister

It feel on my hubby and I to try and explain what was happening to their little brother without using the 'C word. This is one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do and never want to do again!
 They have been hanging out at grandma and grandpas the past 4 days. One thing I have found out taking care of a 6 and 9 year old is exhausting, this grandma isn't as young as she thought.

I wasn't sure if I was going to post this next picture or not. 
Our daughter and SIL wanted to make sure that Brandon's brother and sister knew that he was okay, so off to Toronto we went with them. It is roughly a 2 hour drive when the traffic is good, it took us 3 hours to get there. I am glad we did take them as both his older siblings did feel better and had a chance to talk to a social worker at Sick Kids.

after surgery

He is to get the eye patch off today and a temporary eye in place. He will to be fitted for a prosthetic eye in 6 weeks. 
Hopefully he comes home today.

Please if you have young children or grandchildren have their eyes checked ASAP.




12 comments :

  1. I am so sorry to hear about this, Cindy. I hope that his recovery continues to go well and that he and your whole family are surrounded by loving, gentle care.

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  2. Oh, I am so sorry to hear of your family's troubles. I do hope all goes well and that your grandson and your family will be able to adjust quickly to his new normal. Thoughts and prayers for all of you.

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  3. Thoughts and prayers for all of you and for Brandon in particular. Thanks for spreading the word about the importance of regular eye exams.

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  4. It's times like this that we can really appreciate our families. Your daughter, SIL, and grandchildren must be so thankful for your willingness to drop everything and do your best for them. When you have some time to yourselves remember to allow yourselves to absorb the shock and acknowledge the emotions you've had to conceal/control. Lovely to see Brandon looking so well in the photo post-surgery.

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  5. Oh Cindy I'm so sorry for your family. Sharing your story is a great way to spread the word about the importance of regular medical exams. My mother has had an artificial eye for several years and it hasn't limited her in any way. I hope your grandson heals quickly and my prayers are with you and your family.

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  6. That picture of that sweet little trooper in that massive bed is heartbreaking, and heartwarming together somehow? Feel such sadness for you and your entire family as you try to adjust to this new normal. Reading Beth's comment reminds me of my dad's brother who had an artificial eye from being a child due to boys being boys and playing with sticks, and how he was fine, just had to be careful with driving, the shoulder-checking thing...anyhow, kids are so resilient, yet it just seems so unfair. I will bug Brianne more to get Brady's eyes checked; maybe I will take him when I'm there next month. Big hugs, hope it helps in some small way.

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  7. Brandon is in my thoughts and prayers, Cindy. Sending best wishes and good vibes your way.
    Hugs,
    Preeti.

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  8. Goodness...I hope he has a speedy recovery. Take care.

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  9. Cindy, I am so sorry to hear this and can not even imagine the whirl wind of emotions for everyone. Sending lots of love to you and your family and hope that he is making a speedy recovery. The strength in children is amazing.

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  10. Oh God. Cindy I am heartsick for little Brandon. It just boggles the mind. I hope he did get to come home right after you wrote this post and that the cancer is totally removed. I haven't been blog hopping much or I would have caught this post sooner. Write to me any time you need to unload stress and worries! Many long distance hugs and prayers are going out to all your family and your little grandson!

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