May 14th 2024.
George was just a two-year-old boy enjoying a family holiday in Tenerife when his mother, Victoria Walsh, noticed something unusual in his right eye. She decided to take a quick photo to get a closer look and was shocked to see an odd white circle in his eye. Concerned, she sought the advice of her mother and a friend who was an optician. They recommended that she take George back to the UK as soon as possible to seek medical help.
Without hesitation, Victoria and her partner cut their holiday short and returned home to Warrington, Cheshire. They went straight to an optician who then referred them to the hospital. There, they received devastating news – George had a rare form of eye cancer called retinoblastoma, and unfortunately, his sight could not be saved.
Feeling guilty for not noticing the symptoms sooner, Victoria hopes to raise awareness so that other mothers don't have to go through the same experience. It was actually George's dad who first noticed the "white speck" in his eye while they were in a hotel elevator in Spain. He had a gut feeling that something wasn't right. Victoria's mother, who had lost a friend to eye cancer, also noticed the same "glint" in the photo and recommended taking a photo in the dark with flash on.
What made the situation even more baffling was that George had no other symptoms. Despite this, they rushed back to the UK and an ultrasound test confirmed the diagnosis of retinoblastoma. The cancer was advanced, and they were unable to save George's eyesight. He started chemotherapy immediately to prevent the cancer from spreading further. He also underwent a risky intra-arterial chemotherapy through the eye cavity, which carried a real possibility of him having a stroke. Luckily, the procedure was successful, and George was able to go home the same day.
Although George lost his sight, he was able to keep his eye. However, if the tumor ever grows or changes, it may have to be removed. Victoria explains that retinoblastoma is not a cancer that can be easily removed or treated, which is why early detection is crucial. It has been a whirlwind for the family, but Victoria is determined to be strong for George and get him the best treatment possible.
Despite everything, George is taking his treatment in his stride. He goes in for treatment every four weeks and experiences night terrors, a common side effect of anesthesia. He says his eye is sore, but he is a strong little boy who just gets on with it.
Retinoblastoma is a rare type of eye cancer that affects the retina in young children. It can impact one or both eyes and can cause symptoms such as the eyes pointing in different directions, the colored part of the eye changing color, swelling around the eye, uncontrolled eye movements, vision problems, and pain in one or both eyes. If you have a story to share about retinoblastoma or any other health issue, please get in touch by emailing [email].
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