Wheelchair for my Ewing sarcoma warrior
Date Published:
Katniss Daneca Manili, 7, is an optimistic and determined child who continues to fight the uphill battle of Ewing sarcoma. Coming from Ozamiz City (Mindanao), Katniss and her family flew to Cebu City last August 2022 for diagnosis since a tumor was found on her X-ray scan of her right femur, which was verified as Ewing sarcoma.
After her 8 cycles of high dose admit-chemo, the tumor has significantly decreased in size. But she needed to undergo a limb salvage surgery to further stop the diffused mixed bone marrow signals replacement along her femur. They conducted a wide resection of the tumor with cryosurgery (using liquid nitrogen) and reconstruction of the her right femur on March 2023. Fortunately, her team of orthopaedic surgeons were able to achieve a negative margin during the surgery. Her bone was reconstructed using titanium implants. Thankfully, her 3-month post operation scan showed no lesions/mass or tumor which is very promising. However, she couldn't walk yet as there's no sign of growth yet on the ends of her femur which was cut during surgery. The chemo also significantly slowed down the growth and union of the bone. Currently, she has finished 13 out of 17 admit-chemo cycles and has undergone limb salvage surgery (LSS) already. With this, she really wishes to have her own wheelchair so she doesn't need to be carried by her mom..
Despite having gone through this tough battle at a young age, Katniss remains to be courageous and cooperative in her treatment. She's always asking her mother how far along is she in her treatment, how many cycles are left, when is the next admission, and the status of her blood counts. She has a very solid faith in God, too. She takes time everyday reading her small bible and praying to God. She loves singing worship songs as well. Since she cannot walk yet, she spends her time coloring and drawing. She likes playing with puzzles and slime (which is her favorite). As her journey continues, she draws strength from her family and friends who has supported her in every way, and most importantly to God who makes her brave.
After her 8 cycles of high dose admit-chemo, the tumor has significantly decreased in size. But she needed to undergo a limb salvage surgery to further stop the diffused mixed bone marrow signals replacement along her femur. They conducted a wide resection of the tumor with cryosurgery (using liquid nitrogen) and reconstruction of the her right femur on March 2023. Fortunately, her team of orthopaedic surgeons were able to achieve a negative margin during the surgery. Her bone was reconstructed using titanium implants. Thankfully, her 3-month post operation scan showed no lesions/mass or tumor which is very promising. However, she couldn't walk yet as there's no sign of growth yet on the ends of her femur which was cut during surgery. The chemo also significantly slowed down the growth and union of the bone. Currently, she has finished 13 out of 17 admit-chemo cycles and has undergone limb salvage surgery (LSS) already. With this, she really wishes to have her own wheelchair so she doesn't need to be carried by her mom..
Despite having gone through this tough battle at a young age, Katniss remains to be courageous and cooperative in her treatment. She's always asking her mother how far along is she in her treatment, how many cycles are left, when is the next admission, and the status of her blood counts. She has a very solid faith in God, too. She takes time everyday reading her small bible and praying to God. She loves singing worship songs as well. Since she cannot walk yet, she spends her time coloring and drawing. She likes playing with puzzles and slime (which is her favorite). As her journey continues, she draws strength from her family and friends who has supported her in every way, and most importantly to God who makes her brave.
