Gabriella T. - Quilt Finished in 2009

Born: May 10, 2007

Illness: Infantile Fibromatosis in tongue, PMMTI-Primitive Myxoid Tumor of Infancy in tongue

Gabriella T.'s Story

Written by Gabriella's mom Rachel in April 2009

Gabriella Rose was born on May 10, 2007. She was born full term and was a healthy baby at birth. Gabriella was diagnosed when she was 2 months old with Primitive Myxoid Mesenchymal Tumor of Infancy. Doctors originally believed she had an abnormal cyst forming inside her tongue. After close examinations, doctors were able to rightfully state that she did in fact have cancer.

She gets chemotherapy each week, has had 3 biopsies done, many transfusions to replenish her blood supply, and has monthly MRI's taken to monitor the formation of the tumor. She has undergone 1 surgery which took out 95% of her tumor before chemotherapy was suggested. The 5% that was left began to grow rapidly. Doctors are now watching the tumor with a close eye to see the changes it may endure. She will need another surgery in the near future to take out the remnants of the tumor. Gabriella will also have speech therapy to allow her tongue to strengthen enough to form words.

On March 23rd, 2009, Gabriella finished her 2nd round of Chemotherapy. Because the Chemo did not shrink the tumor but only maintained the size of the tumor the doctors decided to keep her off chemo for 6 months to see how the tumor behaves without any Chemo to keep it at bay (let me remind you last time we "waited" her tumor grew out of control) so we are very anxious for these next 6 months to pass.

If this tumor does in fact grow within the 6 months we will have to think if CHEMO is the best option to keep it maintained until she gets older for the major reconstructive surgery and or just perform the surgery at that time. This major surgery consists of Gabriella having the whole tumor removed (more than 50% of tongue) and rebuilding the tongue taking ligaments/arteries from her arm and putting them into her tongue. She would be hospitalized from this surgery for possibly 3 months or more and would require to come home with a TRACH in place for her to breath for up to 6 months. So lets pray that these past two Chemo rounds killed this tumor.

Primitive Myxoid Mesenchymal Tumor of Infancy is a cancerous mass found in soft tissue. Gabriella is the 7th case known in the world having this rare tumor. According to the American Journal of Surgical Pathology, it is believes that PMMTI is a new category of pediatric fibroblastic-myofibroblastic tumors.

Gabby is loved dearly by her young parents, Rachel (23) and Gabe (26). They stand by her every step of the way. She also has grandparents, great grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who care for her each day.