WHILE playing with a relative’s dog in July 2017, Geranique’s left arm broke. She was rushed to Entebeni Hospital in Durban and the doctor on duty referred the family back to Mulbarton Hospital, upon their return.
The doctor in Durban had seen something strange that had broken Geranique’s arm; more than just a rough play with a dog.
Upon further inspection the doctor, back in Johannesburg South at Mulbarton Hospital, confirmed that the bone was weakened and broken by the growth of a tumour.
Later Geranique was referred to Dr Kyte, an orthopaedic surgeon who confirmed it was a tumour growing on the inside of Geranique’s arm. The doctor referred to it as Osteo Sarcoma.
Immediate procedures were put into place to operate on Geranique’s arm to remove the tumour and to begin chemotherapy and radiation.
Seven other cancerous nodules were detected by X-rays on her lungs.
Geranique, together with her father visiting regularly, was in hospital for the duration of treatment, which took 12 months. She received chemotherapy to address the seven cancerous nodules in her lungs, as well as the tumour in her arm.
During her stay in the hospital she received two operations to mend the arm that was damaged by cancer.
As a 10-year-old at the time she was the strength to the family who regularly prayed that God would spare their child from this terrible disease called cancer.
Great support
Support from church prayer groups were the order of the day. Glenanda Primary principal Mr King, Mrs Reid and staff cooperated fully with the parents during this time of trauma.
The prayer warriors regularly met at the hospital to support the family.
School work was brought to Geranique which she gladly undertook despite the chemotherapy making her ill. In pain and agony she emitted smiles indicating that she was a fighter.
Glenanda Primary School sent her photos wishing her well during her fight with cancer.
After 24 months of constant check-ups, Geranique has been declared in remission, but doctors will continue to monitor her situation.
A final operation is due in November to remove a plate in her arm that was installed to repair the pathological fracture that occurred.
The tumours on her lungs calcified and the doctor’s prognosis is that they seem to have been destroyed by the intensive chemotherapy Geranique received over the 12 months.
To date Geranique has regained weight and has returned to school, re-joining her fellow classmates in Grade Six.
Geranique’s parents are grateful to God and all the family and friends who helped them endure the process of defeating cancer. Geranique is a true warrior and joyous cancer survivor, grateful to God for her miraculous healing.
Her parents wish to thank the incredible staff of Wits Donald Gordon Paediatric Oncology Department and all of Professor Poole’s medical team.
GALLERY:
