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Elaine McQueenie raised £16,326.18 from 361 supporters
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Closed 16/05/2021
Iʼve raised £16,326 to help towards Ruaridhs ongoing cancer treatment plus to give something back to charities who support children with cancer and their families
- Edinburgh, UK
- Funded on Sunday, 16th May 2021
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Story
Just over 5 weeks ago our world was ripped apart when we were told that Ruaridh, our 12 year old son, had Synovial Cell Sarcoma – a very rare (especially in children) malignant cancer.
The cancer was discovered following routine lab tests on what was thought to be a harmless vascular malformation which had been surgically removed from Ruaridhs chest 2 weeks previously - the results revealed that the cancer cells had been detected at the edge of the removed lump meaning not all had been cleanly removed.
The news was devastating and so began an emotional rollercoaster as a whirlwind of activity took place whilst Ruaridh undertook various tests and scans at RHSC - this was during the October break so not at all how we had intended on spending it.
After an agonising wait (which would be one of many in the weeks to follow), we were told that the scans and tests were all clear however more intrusive surgery was a necessity. Ruaridh was back in the operating theatre 5 weeks after his initial operation - this time the surgeons removed his right hand pectoral muscles (both major and minor) plus some lymph nodes from under his right arm.
The surgery went well and the surgeons ended up leaving the muscle above his clavicle knowing how sporty he was – Ruaridh had been selected to represent Scotland surfing in the British Cup but was unable to go though had been playing football for Edinburgh City 2006s the day before the operation (assisting with an amazing cross to enable his team to win through to the next round of the Scottish Cup!).
Ruaridh has made an incredible recovery with limited pain or discomfort and following another agonising wait we were told the surgery had been a success, all the cancer had been removed and that the lymph nodes were all clear!
Ruaridh now needs a 6-8 week session of Radio (Photon or Proton Beam) therapy however our oncologist is pushing for the latter due to the location the treatment is required as its less intrusive plus has less side effects – Photon therapy kills healthy cells around the area its aimed at plus passes through the body so could potentially damage his spine, ribs as well as his lungs and even his heart.
We’re currently in the midst of our next period of uncertainty whilst a decision is being made as to whether Ruaridh will get NHS approval/funding to allow him to be sent to America for Proton Beam Therapy as we don’t currently have a Proton Beam centre open in the UK – one is currently being built in Manchester however isn’t scheduled to be opened until sometime next Spring/Summer.
If the go ahead is given then the NHS will fund the treatment, accommodation and flights for Ruaridh, Martin and myself plus a small amount of living expenses however it wouldn’t fully cover our costs plus also won't include taking Ruaridhs siblings, Tamzin and Owen. This would be a horrendous blow for Ruaridh as he's very close to both his siblings and at this moment in time needs them more than ever.
Having always given to charities, we never thought we'd ever have to do any sort of fund-raising for our own family however we are going to need help to fund Ruaridhs treatment in America (assuming it gets the go ahead) and to ensure all his family are around him to help support him.
We have been overwhelmed by the generosity, kindness and support we have received from everyone and, as part of this fundraising, we would like to give something back to both Teenage Cancer Trust and CLIC Sargent who are charity funded organisation and provide amazing support to children with cancer and their families.
Updates
99
- 4 years ago
Elaine McQueenie
4 years agoSun 31st May - 1 year since Ruaridh rang the bell signifying end of his treatment! He had a chest xray on Tuesday & all looking good though the area above his scar looks very dark & bruised so they've taken a photo to send Dr Danny (his American consultant) to look at. Back to the surgery again on Tues for his next immunisations. The weather has been gorgeous of late & lockdown is easing so looking forward to catching up with friends & family. Next hospital apt is an MRI at end of August. Stay safe everyone xx
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- 4 years ago
Elaine McQueenie
4 years agoFri 15th May - today is Ruaridhs last day in 2nd year - on Mon 18th he moves into 3rd year & some new subjects. It's been a very disjointed start to secondary school as he hasn't managed a full term so far. He's also started getting re-vaccinated due to the chemo wiping out all his immunity to date & got his 1st dose of MMR. He's got another 6 jags to go which will be spaced out over the coming months. Lockdown is taking its toll but hopefully things will.start easing up soon. He has been keeping busy with school work, exercising & chores.
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- 4 years ago
Elaine McQueenie
4 years agoMon 4th May - everyone in the household (bar me as I work for NHS Lothian) has settled into lockdown with long lies in, school/uni work in the afternoons, odd jobs round the hse & plenty fresh air out in the garden. The boys have also been working out & going cycle rides. Ruaridhs mood has been very up & down as he tries deal with this latest isolation from his friends. He received a fabulous goodie basket from Morrisons today which cheered him up. They've sent goodies to all 2000 uk kids whose Make-A-Wish are currently on hold. Keep safe all!
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Supporters
361
Mary Brydon
Aug 22, 2019
£10.00
Neil Jansen
Jul 31, 2019
£20.00
Shoana Blackadder
Apr 22, 2019
I wish you and your family all the strength you need to work through this difficult treatment process. I wish Ruaridh a speedy recovery , I will be thinking of you .
Anonymous
Apr 20, 2019
Thinking of you all and sending best wishes.With love George, Scott and Alison xx
Lee Fatrer
Apr 5, 2019
£10.00
Pete
Mar 23, 2019
Best wishes to all.
£5.00
Anonymous
Feb 25, 2019
Praying that everything continues to go well for Ruaridh, and sending best wishes to all the family from the McTavish Clan
£300.00
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Elaine McQueenie
Edinburgh, UK
I'm doing what any parent would do to give their child the best life possible.