Update on Rachida – back for more treatment

It’s been a long time since I’ve posted about Rachida and her hereditary retinoblastoma (eye cancer), but that’s because there hasn’t been any news. But now Rachida and her mom Awa and little brother Rachid (see the second picture) came back to town from the capital with plans to head back to Mali for more treatment as early as tomorrow. This time, instead of Rachida’s grandmother Kadi taking her, her mom Awa will be taking her along with her little brother. Pray for them, as it will be a challenge for her to learn the ropes of a new city, a medical system she’s never experienced, all in a new country, and with two little ones in tow. Let’s just say that I’m glad it’s not my job!

This time she’s going for continued chemotherapy, but last I heard the chemo will this time be mixed with cataract medication to hopefully deal with both problems at the same time. If you remember, the little sight she had was taken away by cataracts, but they can’t surgically remove the cataracts for fear of disturbing the cancer and causing it to spread. As such, they are hoping to do some kind of mixed treatment so that they can get taken care of at the same time. At least that’s the theory, but I’m not positive whether this has ever been done at this hospital or not. It sounded like the specialty medicine was being sent from France.

That’s what I know. Sorry the pictures aren’t the best – Rachida wasn’t wanting her picture to be taken and it was getting dark, making the lighting hard since I just had my phone with no flash.

Thanks so much for your prayers. Know that they’re much appreciated and much needed!