Matthew Age 16- St. Louis Children's Hospital
"Matthew Williams was a typical nine-year old boy. He loved playing baseball, participating in Cub Scouts, and fishing. He was enjoying diving lessons at the local swimming pool the day before he was diagnosed with a brain tumor.
Matthew had been having headaches for a few months. The headaches came and went. They seemed to be related to seasonal allergies and sinus problems. Matthew has also complained occasionally of blurry vision. A trip to the eye doctor had revealed nothing. The morning of July 14, 2006, Matthew had his annual summer physical with his pediatrician. After discussing headaches, Dr. Chaney decided to order a CT scan, presumably to diagnose a sinus infection. The tumor was found during that scan.
Our family was immediately sent to Children’s Hospitals in St. Louis. We arrived late in the afternoon on the 14th. Matthew was admitted and had his first MRI that night. After spending the weekend in the hospital, surgery was performed Monday morning. The surgery to remove the stage 3 ependymoma was completely successful. Matthew was released on Thursday of that week to come home for two weeks.
Following the weeks at home, Matthew returned to St. Louis for radiation. He and his Mom lived at Hope Lodge for almost three months while the 33 radiation treatments were completed. Matthew refers to this time as his “radiation vacation.” Other than losing his hair, he felt great throughout the treatment. His days were filled with trips to the zoo, science center, botanical gardens and other St. Louis fun spots. Evenings were spent keeping up with school work.
Matthew returned to school the last week of September following his treatments. Follow-up visits have revealed a perfectly healthy boy who is quickly growing into a wonderful young man. Matthew is , and is enjoying his year in high school. His family thanks God daily for his good health, the positive experiences he had throughout his diagnosis and treatment, and the wonderful doctors and resources available when needed. We know that miracles do occur and we are grateful to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the students of Dance Marathon at Southeast Missouri State for their contribution."
Matthew had been having headaches for a few months. The headaches came and went. They seemed to be related to seasonal allergies and sinus problems. Matthew has also complained occasionally of blurry vision. A trip to the eye doctor had revealed nothing. The morning of July 14, 2006, Matthew had his annual summer physical with his pediatrician. After discussing headaches, Dr. Chaney decided to order a CT scan, presumably to diagnose a sinus infection. The tumor was found during that scan.
Our family was immediately sent to Children’s Hospitals in St. Louis. We arrived late in the afternoon on the 14th. Matthew was admitted and had his first MRI that night. After spending the weekend in the hospital, surgery was performed Monday morning. The surgery to remove the stage 3 ependymoma was completely successful. Matthew was released on Thursday of that week to come home for two weeks.
Following the weeks at home, Matthew returned to St. Louis for radiation. He and his Mom lived at Hope Lodge for almost three months while the 33 radiation treatments were completed. Matthew refers to this time as his “radiation vacation.” Other than losing his hair, he felt great throughout the treatment. His days were filled with trips to the zoo, science center, botanical gardens and other St. Louis fun spots. Evenings were spent keeping up with school work.
Matthew returned to school the last week of September following his treatments. Follow-up visits have revealed a perfectly healthy boy who is quickly growing into a wonderful young man. Matthew is , and is enjoying his year in high school. His family thanks God daily for his good health, the positive experiences he had throughout his diagnosis and treatment, and the wonderful doctors and resources available when needed. We know that miracles do occur and we are grateful to Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and the students of Dance Marathon at Southeast Missouri State for their contribution."