Riley F.
Massachusetts
Birth Date - April 9, 2007
Main Diagnosis - Stage 4 Esthesioneuroblastoma (nasal cancer)
THEME: "Flowers and Bugs"
Riley's Story
n May of 2013 I noticed that Riley's left eye was slightly bigger and protruding more then the right eye. I took her to see her pediatrician. He immediately sent us to an eye doctor. The eye doctor checked out Riley and scheduled a CAT scan for the following morning. The results of the scan showed a large mass in Riley's left nasal cavity that was pushing on her left eye. We were sent to Boston Children's hospital the next day for further testing. After a biopsy and many scans Riley was officially diagnosed with Stage 4 Esthesioneuroblastoma, which is a very rare and very aggressive form of nasal cancer.We decided to consult with Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston for a treatment plan. The oncologists at Dana Farber have only seen this type of cancer one other time. That shows just how serious and rare Riley's cancer is. Riley went through 4 rounds of chemo, requiring her to stay in the hospital for the entire summer. After the chemo was complete Riley went through 33 rounds of proton beam radiation to her face and neck at Mass General Hospital in Boston. Following those treatments Riley had another scan in December of 2013. Riley's cancer was found to have spread to her brain and her oncologists said there was nothing more they could do. She was given 6-12 months to live. This news was devastating.
Riley and our family are fighters! We decided to go through with more treatments. Over a year later and Riley has had a total of 3 surgeries, 54 radiation treatments and 8 rounds of chemo. She doesn;t always feel good and sometimes stays in bed for days. She does however always have a positive attitude and a smile. Riley unfortunately still has cancer, but is found to be a true inspiration for all who know her. Riley rocks!
