Friday, October 06, 2006

Update on My Student

I/we (4 teachers) went to see my student at the children's hospital at Stanford. He has already started his radiation treatment. Both he and his mom were very happy to see us. His mom kept hugging us. And yes, we cried with her as well.

This tumor has affected his eyes, balance, speech, and even the ability to swallow food! The prognosis is not good. All specialists seen have told the parents that the child has 6 to 18 months of life left. That the radiation is not going to cure him, but only try to help shrink the tumor. Surgical removal of the tumor is not an option. (not even laser surgery is an option!) The tumor is located at the base of the brain.

*During the day my principal came to ask me if I was taking some homework for him. I looked straight into her eyes and responded by saying, "NO". Instead we took books that could be read to him, games, crayons, and coloring books with various types of activities. We also took loads of letters and cards from his friends and classmates.


Fuimos (4 maestras) a ver a mi estudiante que esta internado en el hospital para niños en Stanford. Ya ha comenzadó su tratamiento de radiación. Él y su mamá estaban super contentos al vernos. Su mamá no dejaba de abrazarnos. Y si, nosotros lloramos con ella.

Este tumor le ha afectado sus ojos, balance, el habla, y hasta la habilidad de pasar comida! Todos los especialistas que la familia ha visto dicen lo mismo, "Al niño le queda de 6 a 18 meses de vida." La radiación no le va curar, simplemente va tratar de encoger (hacer mas chico) el tumor. La cirugia no es una opción. (ni siquiera laser!) El tumor esta localizado en la base del cerebro.

*Durante el día la directora vino a preguntarme si le pensaba llevar alguna tarea. Le ví directamente a los ojos y respondí, "NO" . Le llevamos libros para que alguién le lea, jueguitos, crayolas, y libros para colorear y hacer varios tipos de actividades. También le llevamos muchisimas cartas y tarjetas que sus amigos y compañeros le hicierón.

6 comments:

sonrisa morena said...

i totally agree with hanuman1960!! on the whole principal issue and you been a good person...

Irene said...

Oh, I really feel for the parents of this child. Just last week my son was sick with broncho-pneumonia and I was already flipping out with worry. What more them? Their family will be in my prayers. It is good of you to help them through this tough time in their lives.

Ashley said...

I often wonder why some children are put on this earth to suffer. I almost understand when it's an adult who lived a good life. But children? It's too tough to even comprehend!

Good for you to make him as comfortable and happy as he can be.

Anonymous said...

No queda sino rezar y mucho por èl...
durante este mes se realiza la procesiòn del señor de los milagros... creeme que orarè por èl y por ti amiga mia.

Te envie un mensaje por el yahoo messengger...

Un abrazo

Unknown said...

coco, this is very sad news. i hope there is something they can do for your student. and in the meantime make sure that he has plenty of toys, games, family, friends and love to bring him joy--but definitely no homework. i hope you're well.

ShoeGirl Corner said...

This and your previous entry made me want to cry!