No to Protons, Yes to Xrays

We heard from the Doctor at the Oklahoma proton center late this afternoon and he reiterated everything that we have been told by Niamh's consultant oncologists here over the last couple of weeks.

Proton therapy would have some advantages in reducing the long term side effects of treatment for Niamh. In Niamh's case however, there are less advantages due to the area which needs to be treated. In particular, treatment to the large original tumour site in the middle of the supratentorial part of her brain.

If we lived in Oklahoma, Niamh would most likely be treated with Proton therapy.

In our situation though, the risks involved with seeking treatment in another continent and the risk of delay outweigh the advantages from treatment with protons.

It's taken us the last two weeks to accept this but now there is no doubt in our minds.

Thank you to all our family and friends who offered support and made us believe absolutely that if we needed to raise the money for treatment in the USA we would.

We also received a lot of support to get where we are from Niamh's doctors here in the UK, the Paul Scherrer Institute Switzerland, Procure Oklahoma City and Ros Barnes (Alex Barnes's mum)

We are now fully committed to Niamh's path with radiotherapy which is a very effective treatment against cancer.

Niamh is loving being at home and is making good progress with her communication and walking.

The neurosurgeon will check Niamh's wound on Friday and then Niamh is due to start her Radiotherapy on Monday 16th May at the QE Birmingham. Please pray that her radiotherapy treatment is effective and that Niamh will win her battle without too many side effects.