Rare cancer survivor (11) shares journey to recovery

Cancer survivor Aimee Alias shared her experience of fighting a rare cancer after her journey first began following her diagnosis on December 14, 2018.

The 11-year-old from Kibler Park was diagnosed with Ewing’s sarcoma, a rare type of cancer that occurs in bones or the soft tissue around the bones.

According to her guardian, Beverly Markgraaff, Aimee, who was diagnosed at age eight, is a positive child who is always willing to help.

She is passionate about swimming and has a strong desire for art.

First discovered

Her family started noticing that young Aimee would complain about having pain in her shoulder blade.

They took her to the doctor in July 2018 and were told she may have possibly hurt herself from all the swimming.

“One morning she woke up with the very same pain. We took her to casualties at Netcare Mulbarton Hospital. The doctor did X-rays but all was good and she was given a sling. She used the sling for a couple of days and was fine. But we also noticed every time she swims the pain would start,” explained Beverly.

In December, during the school holidays, she went swimming and the pain started. After doing an ultrasound, they picked up fluid on her lungs.

“They immediately did a CAT scan and waited for the results. The next day we got to see Dr Tanya Schickerling, who looked at the scans and ultrasound. She told us she would like to do blood tests and confirmed the bad news to us that Aimee had cancer,” she said.

Through everything, Beverly said they remained positive and trusted God for healing.

“We can’t thank God enough for Dr Schickerling. She went over and above and has done this with all the children she treats. She is an amazing doctor.

Journey to recovery

Aimee had her port inserted and a biopsy done soon after her diagnosis. She then received her first chemotherapy in January 2019.

While undergoing chemo, she would amaze her family as she always had a smile on her face while she fiercely battled cancer.

“After her first week of chemo, she picked up an infection that saw her being in hospital longer. Every month after receiving chemo she required platelets and blood.

“In May 2019, she was admitted for an operation to remove four ribs where the mass was,” explained Beverly.

Aimee spent a week in ICU at Netcare Milpark Hospital and was then transferred to Netcare Clinton Hospital, where she was examined.

“She was then sent home for a recovery period of three weeks. After the three weeks, she continued chemotherapy until the middle of November 2019, when she was sent for scans and the cancer was declared in remission. Her last chemotherapy was completed on November 19, 2019,” she said.

On November 22, 2019, Aimee rang the bell upon completion of her chemo. She now does her check-ups every six weeks.