LACHLAN'S STORY
When Lachlan was 12 months old we first noticed something wrong with his left eye. It had started to turn slightly inwards and did not always move in sync with the right eye. The clinic nurse suggested we check with the local doctor who referred Lachlan to the Princess Margaret Children's Hospital (Perth, Australia) to see an eye specialist.
At this stage we were expecting to get a list of eye exercises for a lazy eye.
On the 8th May 1998 Lachlan (15 months old) was diagnosed with a retinoblastoma in his left eye. The left eye displayed some peripheral vision, but no direct sight. This was confirmed by Professor Constable at the Lions Eye Institute the following day.
On the 10th May, following a EUA the diagnosis was changed to bilateral retinoblastoma. Lachlan then had a CT Scan, Bone Marrow Test, Lumbar Puncture and an Ultrasound. It was concluded that the tumors were contained within the retina's, with a 7.3mm mass in the left eye directly over the Macula and a 2.8mm mass in the right eye which was not effecting the sight in that eye.
The initial recommendation was to enucleate the left eye and treat the right eye with Cryotherapy. We then had a meeting with the Oncology specialists who referred to a new treatment being trialed at the Children's Hospital of Philadelphia PA. This treatment involved an initial course of Chemotherapy to provide a reduction in the tumor size. The treatment involves the use of Vincristine, Carboplatin and Etopiside.
After reading the results from the studies we agreed to follow this course of treatment.
It is now the 8th of August 1997, Lachlan has received 4 courses of Chemotherapy and the right eye has had Cryotherapy applied. The results to date show the right eye is clear with no loss of sight. The tumor in the left eye has been reduced by at least 50%. The Opthamologists are now going to use Laser treatment on the remaining tumor. There is a high level of confidence that the left eye can be saved and the remaining tumor removed. There is also the possibility that Lachlan will have some additional sight from his left eye. Lachlan also has an older brother, Mitchell (3 yrs 8 mths) who has been checked and cleared, and both Helen and I are also clear.
During the Chemotherapy (applied over a two day hospital stay), Lachlan has shown only slight side effects. His hair has thinned and his appetite has reduced, however his overall health is still excellent with little or no sickness (including vomiting) during this period. It should also be noted that while this treatment has shown initial signs of success for Lachlan, it is different for each individual.
A special thanks must go to the Princess Margaret Children's Hospital for their support and assistance which has been invaluable. I will keep you updated on Lachlan's progress in the future. If anyone would like to send me a note, my email address is rlbooth@ozemail.com.au.
References
Div of Oncology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia PA
Wills Eye Hospital & Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia PA
Children's Memorial Hospital, Chicago. IL
Princess Margaret Children's Hospital, Perth. Western Australia
Thank you for the opportunity to share our story
Rod, Helen, Mitchell & Lachlan
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