Sophie recovering after brain operation

surgery: Medics remove most of tumour from brave Angus youngster

An Angus girl is recovering following a complex operation to remove a rapidlygrowing brain tumour.

Sophie Gray’s family were warned about the possible implications and had been praying the operation was a success.

The eight-year-old, who attends Warddykes Primary School in Arbroath, was initially diagnosed with a benign tumour in May 2013 after she began suffering from migraines.

Although the tumour is benign, it was deemed inoperable because it is located close to major blood vessels and the optic nerves.

Sophie was taken to the Royal Hospital for Sick Children in Edinburgh, where she underwent five operations and two biopsies in just over six weeks.

A shunt was inserted to drain away any fluid, along with a button into the top of her skull, with six-monthly MRI checks put in place after she returned home.

Sophie recently took ill again when her shunt failed and an MRI scan showed that her tumour had been rapidly increasing.

The gradual growth of the tumour meant surgeons in Edinburgh had no choice but to operate last week and attempt to remove as much of it as possible.

Dad Mark said: “Everything went well. It seems they got between 78-90% of the tumour.

“Once they check her most recent MRI fully they will know for certain.”

Mark said they are already discussing whether she could be moved to Ninewells Hospital in Dundee or be allowed home in three weeks.

He said: “She looks fantastic considering what she’s been through. So all being well she will be home hopefully early next month.”

Parents Mark and Sarah, who have four other children, praised all the hospital staff in ward 7 and friends and family for their kind words of support.

Everything went well. It seems they got between 78-90% of the tumour.

MARK GRAY

Pictures: Paul Reid. Sophie Gray’s family are hoping she will be able to return home next month.