Setback for Emma in cancer battle (From Free Press Series)

Setback for Emma in cancer battle

LITTLE Emma George has suffered a major setback in her bid to beat long-term illness.

The brave nine-year-old from Garndiffaith, who made an excellent recovery after undergoing life-saving surgery to defeat one tumour, is having to battle against a second one that has been discovered in her back.

Emma spent two weeks in Llandough Hospital and has just completed a harrowing two-month course of radio therapy to combat the second tumour. She is also having to wear a back brace for support and now faces daily visits to the clinic so doctors can monitor her progress.

Her father Glyn said: "We are all hoping that she won't have to go into hospital again especially with Christmas coming up. She has had to be so brave and we are so proud of her."

Doctors at Llandough Hospital say they are hopeful that the treatment has been a success.

It was in July of this year that Emma returned to school after her first scare. Then she had been greeted with a surprise party staged by her classmates.

The latest setback was only discovered by chance a few weeks ago. Glyn explained: "She was sat on the settee one minute but when she went to get up her back clicked and her legs went from under her.

"We took her to the hospital and they said they would treat the injury as a tumour, even though they weren't sure at first."

"After her radio therapy the doctors gave her an x-ray and are pleased as the tumour has shrunk a bit."

Glyn said: "She is a bit fed up because she thought she was over the worst, but she has started making up her Christmas list."

"So far it's looking promising, but we will just have to take things one day at a time for now."

The Free Press first reported Emma's plight when she was first diagnosed with a chest tumour more than nine months ago.

Readers joined our campaign to send her dozens of Get Well cards.