HOMETOWN: PAWNEE CITY, NE
DIAGNOSIS: PILOCYTIC ASTROCYTOMA
DATE OF DIAGNOSIS: 2013
CURRENT STATUS: STABLE
Sage Fisher, the youngest of the six children in her family, was diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor on her brain stem in June 2013 when her “clumsiness” became concerning for her parents. After her diagnosis, her family learned she had a second smaller tumor located just beside the first tumor. Sage underwent a risky resection surgery where they removed 80% of the larger tumor that could be reached and most of the second tumor. She celebrated her 4th birthday at Mayo Clinic. Post-surgery, Sage experienced some fine motor skill challenges which required a stay at Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital in Lincoln. She then underwent 14 months of chemotherapy when her tumor showed signs of growth. The drug therapy slowed the growth and Sage is now is not undergoing any treatment. She continues to get routine MRI’s to monitor her tumor growth and it has remained stable. Her scans have shown no signs of “activity” meaning there is no indication that the tumor is trying to change or grow. Sage experienced some recent episodes where she was unresponsive with rapid eye movement. At this time, they have attributed those to dehydration, so her family continues to push fluids with her to prevent these from recurring. She continues to have ophthalmologic visits to monitor some drifting in her left eye. Sage loves to dance and really loves her cats! She recently became an aunt and will no doubt love this new role.
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