Wilms’ tumour diagnosed
Just a few words can alter the world as you know it. Just a few words can alter the world as you know it. Albie was referred immediately by the doctor to a specialist at a children’s oncology unit. There a consultant confirmed that the initial scan pointed towards the abdominal mass being a Wilms’ tumour of the kidney. But a CT scan, heart echo and biopsy would be needed to confirm this. Over the following days Albie had a more detailed CT scan, under sedation. This was followed by a heart echo and surgery for a biopsy and port insertion, under general anaesthetic. The rest of the first week was a blur of constant observations – heart rate, temperature, blood pressure. Also blood pressure meds and just generally getting to grips with hospital ward life. Once the biopsy results had confirmed we were dealing with a Wilms’ tumour we went straight into chemotherapy cycles and a countdown to major surgery. The surgery would be to remove the tumour and affected kidney.