A Toddler Died After Doctors Initially Misdiagnosed His Brain Tumor
A British family is mourning the loss of their 3-year-old son after doctors initially misdiagnosed a brain tumor.
Rachel and Ashley Round first took Charlie to the hospital when they noticed a large lump on his head last June. Doctors sent them home, believing the toddler suffered from an average bump, the Daily Mail reports. Still concerned, they tried again a week later, but their general practitioner dismissed it as well. The couple returned when they noticed the lump had grown in size, but the GP told the family to visit yet another hospital.
At their fourth appointment, a doctor still called the bump "insignificant," but Rachel insisted on an ultrasound. Her instinct proved right. The test revealed 3-inch tumor in Charlie's head, and another 5-inch tumor in his stomach. Over a month after their first hospital visit, the Rounds finally learned that their toddler had stage four cancer.
"It is crazy that it was misdiagnosed for four weeks," Rachel told The Sun last summer. "It is an aggressive cancer. It forms really quickly so those weeks are crucial."
The family prepared for a year of grueling treatment, quitting their jobs to be with Charlie in the hospital. But nine months after his diagnosis, the toddler couldn't hold on any longer. He passed away last Friday.
"Our superhero Charlie passed away last night in mommy's arms," a Facebook page announced. "You will be forever 3. You have taken a piece of our hearts away with you."
While Charlie's parents knew his illness wouldn't be easy, they also hoped some good would come out their experience. "Our baby boy was a fun-loving and happy child and he suddenly changed. We knew he hadn't knocked his head," Rachel told The Sun in July. "We want to raise awareness for other parents who might not be pushy and might trust the doctors."
"If this information were to help just one little baby be diagnosed earlier than this," she said, "it would be well worth it."
Rest in peace, Charlie.
[h/t Daily Mail]
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