The subsequent scan she had at the hospital revealed the truth was far worse than anyone could have possibly imagined. Stella had a tumor growing between her eye and her brain, and was diagnosed with Langerhans cell histiocytosis, a rare form of bone cancer.
“The tumor was growing into the orbital bone, the bone that surrounds the eye… it was roughly 1.5 cm and shaped like a bell,” Gaylene explained.
Stella immediately underwent surgery to remove the tumor, with surgeons able to successfully remove the growth without damage to her tissue or brain.
It was on Christmas eve that Stella and her family were referred to the oncology department. She underwent 12 weeks of chemotherapy to ensure any trace of the cancer was gone. Thankfully it was.
“It was the most nerve-wrecking time of my life,” said dad Paul. “The word cancer, tumor, didn’t mean anything to [Stella], to an adult it’s a conversation stopper, but she just takes it in her stride.”
After completing her 12 week cycle of chemotherapy, Stella continued to have “maintenance chemo” treatments for a year before being cleared completely.
Luckily, she’s now off the antibiotics, and the family have their bright young girl back. What’s more, there’s no visible difference to her eye at all!
“We’re really happy,” added Paul, “and hopefully it continues.”
We’re so happy this story had a happy ending, and we’d urge all parents to seek medical help if their children are sick or injured in any way.
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