Joseph was born with a mark on one side of
his head which the parents could not realize that it was the start of a very
long journey.
In 4-5 years’ time the mark changed to
small pimples around the black mark. Then the mark increased progressively, and
another bigger one appeared, surrounded by small pimples.
The parents could not understand what was
going on at the head of their child Joseph, because we thought he got an injury
while playing with other children.
After some time they noticed that Joseph
could not sleep on the affected side.
By then they started taking the boy to
private Doctors and Dispensaries near their tow. The Doctors treated the pimples repeatedly.
Sometimes after treatment that area was looking like Joseph was burnt with very
hot water. So they went on to District
Hospital, but nobody could know the correct answer or the cause of the disease.
The growth was growing bigger so that it could be seen from afar. Sometime the boy felt pain on the affected
area.
So, the parents went ahead to seek for
answers of the problem.
Later the growth started growing very
fast. Through a sponsor the parents were
able to see a private Doctor who was the first to tell the name of the disease what
may be.
The Doctor prescribed a CT scan which made them
realize how big the problem was. A biopsy was taken and the report was of
neurofibromatosis.
From that point there was a lot of
confusion for the poor parents: they were referred to several private hospitals,
and every hospital was giving different advice.
Some were saying that they could not
operate and even told them not to allow anybody to operate because:
1. 100% the child will not come out
of theater alive.
2. He will be totally crazy after surgery
3. Surgery was very expensive and it could reduce by 50% the life
expectancy.
The child was taken event o Uganda for
further management but did not get help.
Joseph was taken to Chaaria for opinion and Dr Toto Burrai decided
the operation was possible.
In fact we operated on the child a week ago: the procedure was long
and challenging, but the tumor mass was completely removed and plastic surgery
of the face was extremely successful.
The improvement is very good and the boy is comfortable in the
post-operative days.
We thank God for the great surgical success, and we dearly thank Dr
Burrai and Dr Cara for the courage they had in doing such a difficult
operation.
I wish to finish with the words of Joseph’s father:
“God Bless Cottolengo Mission
Hospital and our sponsor Mr. and Mrs. Antonio”
Bro Beppe
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