Kieran was diagnosed with having a Low Grade Tumor (Pleomorphic Xanthoastrocytoma) in August 1999 although 50% was surgically removed the remainder proved too difficult to remove. The location of the tumor was very deep within the middle of the brain on the right Temporal Lobe and was surrounded by major arteries and nerves. It is also located at the entrance of the right ventricle. This location would prove a problem in the future.
We congratulate and thank all the medical staff at the Neurological Dept Southern General Hospital, Glasgow, for removing what they did in such a very delicate area of the body. Although Kieran still continues to keep poor health, and has a long way to go in his treatment and recovery, my wife and I are relieved and delighted at the progress he is making.
Kieran had a major setback in November 2005.It was decided to perform another Craniotomy as the cysts that were associated with the Tumor was giving cause for concern. The operation didn't go exactly to plan and Kieran was left with a partial left side paralysis. On top of this the biopsy taken after the operation revealed that the tumor had changed to a malignant mass.
Kieran undertook 6 weeks of intense Radiotherapy in Feb 2005 and as we speak June 2005 he continues to progress daily and his health has stabilized. We will just have to wait and see what the future holds.
Kieran's health took a setback in December 2005 where it was identified that the tumor had grown to a considerable size. It had change composition and was now growing towards the Brain Stem. On 30th Dec 2005 Kieran was beginning to reach the end of his long journey and we took him home for Palliative Care.
No more hospitals, no more drugs just love and tenderness with his family in the last few weeks.
Kieran passed away peacefully into the arms of the Lord on Feb 10th 2006 after a long and brave battle with his illness. He was surrounded by his ever-loving family.
Kieran Peter Mess,
Forever 10
03.11.95 - 10.02.06
Sadly Missed
Below are two images of Kieran's C.T. scans, taken on Thursday 12th August 1999. These were the images that would change our lives forever.
The scan on the left shows the Brain without any contrast. The right scan clearly shows the Tumor once the contrast has been added. (Both taken before Surgery)
The picture below shows our brave little boy only one day after he had surgery to remove the tumor. This was taken in the Intensive Care Dept, Southern General Hospital. He is accompanied by his ever present companion "Bun".
Kieran in Intensive Care S.G.H Aug 1999
My favourite toys are the Thunderbirds and Transformers and I like anything to do with space and rockets. I've even got my own rocket that flies to over 400ft. I love watching Harry Potter and playing my PS2.
From the age of 3 I haven't been very well. In August 1999, I went to the Hospital because I used to get headaches and feel sick quite often. Once I got there a big camera took a picture of my head. The Doctor then told my mummy and daddy that there was something growing in my head, and they had to try and get it out. I had a long visit to the hospital in August but the Doctor couldn't get all the growth out, but he did manage to get some of it, which has made me feel a little bit better."
