6-year-old Brooke McNeill can’t decide between becoming a doctor or a stuntwoman when she grows up, but there’s no doubt she’s already a superhero.
In late spring, she was diagnosed with a type of kidney cancer known as Wilms tumour.
A tumble in gymnastics led to the rupture of the tumour. No one knew it was even there, but by then it had already spread to her lungs.
“Unexpectedly Brooke had a fall doing a cartwheel and it turns out that it ruptured the tumour. We took her to the hospital and they thought maybe she had a bruised kidney. The next thing we knew we’re at Children’s Hospital undergoing some tests and CT scans,” says Brooke’s father, Bill McNeill.
She was immediately admitted to BC Children’s Hospital for a biopsy and her first round of chemotherapy.
Brooke underwent surgery in September to remove her tumour and also her right kidney.
Fortunately, the survival rate for most patients with Wilms tumour is around 90 per cent now.
Dr. Caron Strahlendorf of BC Children’s Hospital says clinical trials have allowed them to offer better treatments.
“Wilms tumour has always been one that we’ve been able to treat and to cure. 20 years ago she may have relapsed again and needed salvage therapy. But what we do know in children like her who had lung disease at diagnosis we were radiating those children’s lungs and that led to lots of long term morbidity.”
Strahlendorf says with advancements made in treatments, patients can now avoid lung radiation.
“Our approach is holistic,” says Strahlendorf, “these are children who get cancer, who need to remain children and do the fun things they are meant to do.”
Brooke underwent her last round of chemotherapy today and she’s got special plans to celebrate.
“In January, I’m going to get my ears pierced. For next Christmas I’ve got a pretty Christmas dress, it’s black with white on it and there’s earnings at Value Village.”
She’d also like to try on her mother’s earnings, and do all the simple things kids love to do.
With files from Elaine Yong
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