Little fighter from Boskburg battling cancer needs your support
Chereez was diagnosed with undifferentiated soft tissue sarcoma cancer stage three.
After noticing a slight swelling in their three-year-old daughter Chereez’s cheek, concerned parents Pieter and Angelique Nel from Boksburg took their daughter to the doctor right away, which led to the unfolding of a nightmare.
After seeing an ear, nose and throat specialist, the Nel family’s life was turned upside down.
Chereez was diagnosed with an aggressive cancerous tumour next to her brain, spreading from her head to her face.
After several MRIs, bone marrow and CT scans, it was planned for Chereez to undergo an operation and chemotherapy.
However, the way forward changed after it was discovered the cancer has penetrated the skull.
Angelique said Chereez’s case was presented to the Morningside Head and Neck Tumour Board.
“The board decided not to go through with surgery as they would not be able to entirely remove the tumour due to the involvement of the skull base. The decision was then made to continue chemo and start radiation.”
She said there are two types of radiation therapy that Chereez can receive.
“The first therapy, as we understand, is called IMRT and the second is Proton. Both these therapies have side effects that include visual problems.
“The major difference between the two therapies is that Proton spares more of the healthy surrounding tissues and limits the side effects that especially young children would experience.
“The chances of Chereez needing reconstructive surgery to her face in the future are also reduced if she receives Proton therapy.
“Proton therapy, unfortunately, is only available in the USA with costs running into the millions. This excludes any accommodation, living and travel expenses or more chemotherapy that might be needed when in the USA.”
She said the community has come together to pray for Chereez and help her family where possible.
A Facebook page (Little Fighter Chereez Nel) posts updates.
A non-profitable fund has also been set up to help Chereez. Contact Pieter on 071 851 3012 for more information.
“We believe that our daughter will fight this cancer with all she has and through prayers, we believe she will be healed,” said Angelique.
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