A fourth opinion saves Mahra’s arm from amputation

Mahra Saeed is at Dana-Farber/Boston Children’s Cancer and Blood Disorders Center for her last checkup before heading home to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The spunky 8-year-old sports a new dress and cowboy boots, and carries a large stack of thank you cards. She hands them out to oncologist Dr. Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, nurse practitioner Annette Werger and other staff members, who try to contain their emotion as they read, “Thanks for helping me to fight cancer.” Back up 10 months ago to August 2014, when Mahra fell at the park in her hometown of Al Ain and fractured her right arm. An x-ray and biopsy revealed that right below the fracture, Mahra also had a tumor, which the family was told was benign. Mahra’s mother Nour got a second opinion in the UAE that confirmed the diagnosis. A month later, Mahra underwent surgery to remove the tumor and insert metal rods in the bone to help with growth. Nour was told her daughter would need a second surgery the following month to remove any remaining tumor. Days before the surgery, Mahra had a pre-operative scan that revealed the tumor had grown. Nour became very upset. “It was a shock. I asked the doctor, how could it grow if it’s benign? He took another biopsy and told me simply that it was cancer, and we needed to start chemotherapy as soon as possible. Then he just walked away.” To the U.S. for another opinion Frustrated, Nour called the UAE embassy in Washington, DC, and explained the first diagnosis ...
Source: Thrive, Children's Hospital Boston - Category: Pediatrics Authors: Tags: All posts Cancer Our patients’ stories Dana-Farber/Boston Children's Cancer and Blood Disorders Center osteosarcoma Source Type: news