Post by Allie on Sept 18, 2003 19:15:30 GMT
Karen & Garry are very sad to report that the latest scans have shown that Robyn has relapsed & that the cancer has returned. The scans show 2 tiny spots on the knees & also in the left cheek area (the sight of the original relapse found in the UK in 2001).
This news is devastating and it has taken us a few days to come to terms with what this means for all of us and what to do next for Robyn. After talking to Robyn’s oncologists, we have decided to treat the affected areas with radiation and also to start Robyn on a drug called Thalidomide.
Thalidomide was widely used in the UK in the 1960’s for morning sickness with devastating consequences. Further investigation has revealed that the reason that the babies were born with deformities was because the drug cut off blood vessels, this is now being used in cancer to try & stop the flow of blood vessels to tumours.
We realise that many people will have their opinions on what we should do now. We ask you to please respect the decisions that we have made: we are doing what we feel to be in Robyn’s best interest.
We must stress that Robyn is looking & feeling great at the moment and is desperate to return to school. We feel that there is nothing to be gained by informing Robyn of the situation, as we want her to maintain her positive attitude that has brought her this far.
Please, please keep on raising funds for the Robyn Brooks Appeal as we are all still fighting, particularly Robyn!!
To all parents of children with Neuroblastoma who have been following Robyn’s progress, please, please do not be discouraged by this news. All children react differently to treatment, so never give up as your child could be the one to beat this disease!!
Although the 3F8’s have not worked for Robyn, we do not regret for one minute our decision to come to Sloane Kettering Cancer Centre for this treatment. It works for some children and we had to give Robyn that chance.
Love
Karen, Garry, Elise & Robyn
Xxxx
This news is devastating and it has taken us a few days to come to terms with what this means for all of us and what to do next for Robyn. After talking to Robyn’s oncologists, we have decided to treat the affected areas with radiation and also to start Robyn on a drug called Thalidomide.
Thalidomide was widely used in the UK in the 1960’s for morning sickness with devastating consequences. Further investigation has revealed that the reason that the babies were born with deformities was because the drug cut off blood vessels, this is now being used in cancer to try & stop the flow of blood vessels to tumours.
We realise that many people will have their opinions on what we should do now. We ask you to please respect the decisions that we have made: we are doing what we feel to be in Robyn’s best interest.
We must stress that Robyn is looking & feeling great at the moment and is desperate to return to school. We feel that there is nothing to be gained by informing Robyn of the situation, as we want her to maintain her positive attitude that has brought her this far.
Please, please keep on raising funds for the Robyn Brooks Appeal as we are all still fighting, particularly Robyn!!
To all parents of children with Neuroblastoma who have been following Robyn’s progress, please, please do not be discouraged by this news. All children react differently to treatment, so never give up as your child could be the one to beat this disease!!
Although the 3F8’s have not worked for Robyn, we do not regret for one minute our decision to come to Sloane Kettering Cancer Centre for this treatment. It works for some children and we had to give Robyn that chance.
Love
Karen, Garry, Elise & Robyn
Xxxx
Please keep on supporting the Robyn Brooks fund, as little Robyn needs all the help she can get. She is still being treated in America and the money needs to be raised to pay for that treatment.
www.robynbrooks.co.uk