It has been reported that the inoperable brain tumor of a Pennsylvania baby reportedly reduced in size following a kiss on the head from the Pope. The infant, who was battling brain cancer, was kissed by Pope Francis during a papal procession in Philadelphia, is responding to treatment.
The baby, Gianna Masciantonio, was diagnosed with a very unusual type of brain tumor which is known as systemic juvenile xanthogranuloma (JXG). Doctors discovered and identified an inoperable tumor on her brain stem, and her parents were told that the chances of her survival were low and that she might only be able to live for a few weeks.
“Her life was a miracle,” Gianna’s father, Joe Masicantonio, told ABC News. “They told us to go home and spend days to weeks with her.”
Ever since she was born, Gianna had been in hospice care. When the infant developed cysts, she underwent an 11-hour operation to drain the cysts, which led to the unexpected diagnosis of JXG. In spite of the tumor being benign, its position on the brain stem is extremely perilous and life-threatening. This is because it can cease her ability to breathe and for her heart to beat. Throughout the period since her surgery, Gianna has gone through several different chemotherapy treatments with her doctors attempting to wither the tumor.
Gianna’s parents are reverent Catholics, and the Masciantonio family celebrated when Gianna was kissed by Pope Francis during a parade in Philadelphia a few months ago. Joe Masciantonio expressed how the visit helped nourish and strengthen the significance of their faith and belief while going through this extremely tough time of their lives.
Masciantonio said that Gianna’s tumor shrunk after her papal visit. He said that he did not want to call it “a miracle,” and that he also wanted to draw attention to her doctors at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Texas Children’s Hospital. The girl’s mother, Kristen Masciantonio, told the television station: “She’s getting better and stronger. She’s blowing kisses. She’s starting to point at things.”
“Pope Francis kissing her was my miracle, was the way of God telling me he was with us,” Kristen Masciantonio said.
Jorge Mario Bergoglio was elected the 266th pope of the Roman Catholic Church in March 2013, becoming Pope Francis. He is the first pope from the Americas.
Joe Masciantonio said Gianna will continue to go through her chemotherapy, and the tumor remains inoperable due to its placement on her brain stem. He said for now the family is enjoying and cherishing all the time they have with her. “She’s the toughest baby I’ve ever seen in my life,” he told ABC News. “She’s our inspiration. She’s really the best little girl.”
A comparison of Gianna’s MRIs from August and November also demonstrated noticeable differences. Joe Masciantonio told the television station, “Last year was about living in honor of her. Now we’re going to get to live with her.” He also said, “I think this is all from God.”
Be the first to comment on "Cancer Stricken Patient Responding to Treatment"