Summary
A mother in the UK, Melinda Garratt, discovered that her young son Finley had a rare and aggressive brain cancer called ATRT after multiple visits to doctors and hospitals. Initial symptoms led her to seek medical help numerous times, where she was often reassured until a second opinion revealed the true diagnosis. Finley underwent surgery and is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
Key Facts
- Melinda Garratt's son, Finley, showed symptoms initially thought to be minor.
- Melinda visited doctors 12 times before discovering a brain tumor.
- A CT scan at a second hospital revealed a 3-centimeter brain tumor.
- The tumor was diagnosed as an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT), a rare cancer.
- Finley had surgery to remove the tumor and is now undergoing chemotherapy.
- ATRT affects fewer than 100 children a year, mostly under age three.
- Melinda encourages parents to trust their instincts and seek multiple medical opinions.
- Finley is recovering and preparing for further intensive treatments.
