BATTLING THROUGH
Thumbs Up: Brave Dubbo boy Mitchell Ray proving to be a great little fighter
MITCHELL Ray’s fight against a debilitating diagnosis of Neuroblastoma has torn at the emotions of many Dubbo residents since the story first ran in Dubbo Photo News.
The incredibly brave six-year-old is facing complex health problems and has just finished a bout of chemotherapy, with his next bout scheduled to begin on July 13.
MITCHELL Ray’s fight against a debilitating diagnosis of Neuroblastoma has torn at the emotions of many Dubbo residents since the story first ran in Dubbo Photo News.
The incredibly brave six-year-old is facing complex health problems and has just finished a bout of chemotherapy, with his next bout scheduled to begin on July 13.
Mum Erin says another problem has reared its head, following on from Mitchell’s baby brother Connor who was born with severe laryngomalacia (floppy larynx) that needed two surgeries to open his airway.
“Mitchell also was diagnosed with laryngomalacia as a baby,” Mrs Ray said.
“It was just mild, he had reflux medication and was an unsettled, difficult baby but didn’t need surgery or anything special.
“His noise did quieten as he got older, but he continued to snore at night, and when he was four he had his tonsils and adenoids out. We were told he had sleep apnoea, that having those out would help, but nothing really changed.”
Last week Mitchell went through a nasoendoscopy and it looks like he still has a floppy larynx after all those years.
So far, it’s unsure if it’s a new flareup or whether it’s been a continuous issue, and although surgery looks like it could be warranted now, it’s a long way from being his biggest issue.
“There’s talk that he might need home CPAP, oh my goodness, what are the odds that both boys need this,” Mrs Ray said.
“So, we’ve got a few investigations there as Mitchell didn’t cope without oxygen last night, so hopefully does better tonight with the sleep study.”
Just when Mitchell needs to be able to sleep to help him overcome all his other health issues, it seems even more cards have been stacked against him.
On top of all that, Mitchell has ADHD and wasn’t medicated but Erin said he’s struggling while cooped up in hospital so that might be needed now as well.
Keeping him occupied when he’s well enough for structured activities is a priority.
“He’s also doing school each day with his new teacher Josie, who he is really liking. They’ve been reading Anh Do’s book,” she said.