Sharing by Farrel’s mother
“It’s tough to see your teenage son go through the pain and discomfort he has to endure. This is not exactly how we envision his childhood life to be. Farrel is at the age when he starts having more awareness and knows what is going on in life. Knowing this makes it even harder for me to come into terms that this is happening to our family.”
At 13 years old, Farrel Putra was diagnosed with Medulloblastoma, a type of cancerous brain tumour that starts in the lower back part of the brain. In general, Medulloblastoma patients have a relatively high 5-year survival rate of about 72% through intensive treatment protocols.
“It all started in late December 2021 when Farrel began having early morning headaches and vomiting. He was also feeling lightheaded, dizzy and off-balance from time to time. This went on for about three months before his symptoms started escalating. In March 2021, he was experiencing these symptoms up to six times in a day.”
“We brought him for a check-up at the Sarawak General Hospital (SGH), and he was quickly admitted into the Neurosurgical Ward and Paediatric Oncology Ward. Soon after, he was planned to undergo a tumour excision to remove the tumour. I clearly remember the date of his surgery – it was on 25 March 2021.
To get better, Farrel has gone through 30 sessions of radiotherapy and 8 sessions of chemotherapy. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy at the Paediatric Oncology Ward.
“Going through these treatment period has not been easy for both Farrel and our family. However, we are always praying and hoping to our God for a miracle of recovery.”
What keeps Farrel’s mother going is her hope that her son will be healthy again to enjoy the life that he has.
“It is hope and a possibility of recovery that continue to give us the courage to keep fighting alongside Farrel. We are also very thankful for all the help that we have been receiving from SCCS. Their supportive staff have been closely assisting our family throughout this cancer-fighting journey. I am so grateful for their mental support and guidance in taking care of Farrel.”
“Saying that caring for a cancer child is difficult would still be an understatement. Only parents, families and caretakers who are going through a similar journey will understand.”
Farrel’s mother sends her best wishes to all the families who are fighting this journey with her.
“No matter how hard it is when you hear about your child’s diagnosis for the very first time, please be brave and continue to stay strong for your child. Don’t forget to pray. Keep close your friends and families to give you moral support because they are your best medicine and motivation boost.
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