Modderfontein parents highlight childhood cancer awareness
“You build a bond with people you know nothing about but share something in common with.”
Following an initiative held to generate awareness and support around childhood brain cancer, the NEWS met with the parents of Zara Lowe to learn more about the early warning signs of paediatric cancer.
Held in Edenvale, the initiative was organised by friends and family of the Lowe family to create awareness for brain cancer in children.
It was held on July 25 and saw community members walk a five-kilometre distance through Edenvale while following Covid-19 regulations.
Zara’s parents and Modderfontein residents, Simone and Michael, described the awareness initiative as a success.
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At the age of 19 months, a tumour was located in Zara’s brain, specifically her posterior fossa.
However, after a successful six-hour-long operation in April, the 4.5cm tumour was removed.
The tumour was identified as an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour, a fast-growing and reoccurring tumour found in fewer than 10% of children with brain cancer.
After having undergone multiple medical procedures for the placement of her shunt, Zara is now a happy, bubbly and curious 22-month-old child.
In June she started chemotherapy at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, her protocol is nine rounds of chemotherapy with four to six weeks of radiation.
Zara will need approximately nine months of treatment which will depend on the effects of the chemotherapy and the period for recovery between rounds.
Her parents said she is responding well to treatment.
“It is a blessing she is so small. We hope she won’t remember most of what she has gone through,” said Simone.
She said when it comes to looking out for the warning signs, it’s best to trust your parental instincts.
Simone said leading up to the discovery of the tumour, Zara showed very few warning signs.
Michael said one of the only warning signs Zara showed was balance problems and torticollis (tilting of the head to the side).
Simone explained that as the tumour grew, it took up available space in Zara’s skull and increased the pressure exerted on her brain.
The couple encouraged parents to always seek a second medical opinion if they are not satisfied with the first diagnosis.
Warning signs for paediatric cancer they provided included:
• An unusual lump or swelling
• Unexplained paleness and loss of energy
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Continuous pain in one area of the body
• Limping
• Unexplained fever or illness that doesn’t go away
• Frequent headaches, paired with vomiting
• Excessive fatigue
• Sudden vision changes
• Balance problems
• Lack of appetite
• Sudden weight loss
Warning signs for brain tumours the Lowe’s provided included:
• A fuller soft spot (fontanel) on the skull in babies
• Seizures
• Abnormal eye movement
• Slurred speech
• Trouble swallowing
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty with balance
• Trouble walking
• Weakness or loss of sensation in an arm or a leg
• Weakness or drooping on one side of the face
• Confusion, irritability
• Memory problems
• Personality or behaviour changes
• Hearing problems
• Torticollis
Although Michael and Simone never thought they would have to face this situation, they said they have met some amazing people along the way.
“You build a bond with people you know nothing about but share something in common with,” said Michael.
Besides looking out for the warning signs, Simone called for community members to donate more blood to the SANBS.
She highlighted that blood donations are used during transfusions after chemotherapy and other cancer-related treatments.
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