Our Pal - Chintzia M

Story written 2010

Chintzia was diagnosed with stage 4 Neuroblastoma on the 16th January 2010.

Chintzia had been unwell for several weeks, her tummy was very swollen and hard and she wasn’t her usual cheerful self. After a few visits to the GP who said it was this, that and the other, and still no change in her conditions, her family took her to A&E where she had an x-ray and it showed a big lump in her tummy. Chintzia then had an ultra sound and our lives were turned upside down and inside out with the news she had cancer.

After many weeks of tests and scans it was confirmed she had stage 4 Neuroblastoma.

Chintzia is now being treated at the children’s hospital based at the Oxford John Radcliffe Hospital, and has just finished 8 rounds of intense chemo.

Chintzia will then have surgery to remove the tumour and will then undergo radiotherapy everyday for one month, after that she will have high dose chemo, stem cell harvest, retinoic acid and antibody treatment.

Chintzia is doing really well at present and coping well with the treatment. She has had a few hiccups along the way, but remains cheerful.

The next six months or so will be very hard and draining, involving Chintzia being in isolation for 5/6 weeks and she will need all the smiles and well wishes to help her get through this difficult time.

Update 23rd June 2010

We are very sad to say that Chintzia passed away in hospital today.

Update 18th June 2010

Chintzia is very poorly at present. She has a new tumour in her neck and more tumours in her tummy, which was a total shock. She was doing so well after her surgery in May. She is in hospital at present and on chemo.

Update 31st May 2010

Chintzia has finished her rapid chemotherapy and has had all her tests and scans to see how much the tumour has shrunk and to prepare her for surgery.

Chintzia had her tumour removed on the 6th May, she was in theatre 5.5 hours and the operation was a complete success. Chintzia made an amazing recovery and came home to loads of smiles and gifts from Post Pals which was amazing and put a very big smile on her face and cheered her up no end.

Chintzia’s bmig scan showed that all but one of the hot spots has cleared up which was fantastic news.

Chintzia is now booked in for her stem cell harvest on the 15th June, and will start her gcsf injections from the 9th ready for this, which gives her time at home to celebrate her 3rd birthday. Chintzia will then be in hospital 4/5 weeks from the 12th July for her high does chemotherapy.

Post Pals is a fantastic site and it’s great to know that so many people care about the kids – children and adults alike. We have been overwhelmed with the kindness and smiles from people all over the world have shown us. It is an amazing boost for these brilliant children who go through so much.

Update 25th May 2010

Chintzia would like to say a big thank you for all the post smiles and gifts that she has already received and is still getting. It really does bring a lump to your throat that so many people across the world take the time to write and send emails. It’s really nice to know that so many people are hearing about this wonderful site and what it does for our kids. A very big thank you once again.

Update 12th May 2010

A big thank you for all the smiles and gifts Chintzia has received in the last few weeks. We have been in hospital having surgery (which was a complete success), so it was great to come home to it all. Chintzia had a fantastic time opening everything. Thanks again, it really does put big smiles on these very brave children’s faces.