Prognosis

Wilma and Peter were given the prognosis early on Monday afternoon.

We had a serious problem. The AVM was located in the middle of Rosie's brain. Operating on it might kill or disable her.

She was to have radiotherapy. The therapy had proven reliable in 80% of cases, but it took two to three years to take effect. Rosie would be taken by ambulance from the children's hospital to the cancer hospital. She would be aneathesised during the procedure and would feel no pain. She would have four bolts or screws drilled into her skull in order to facilitate the procedure. She would then leap without a headache from the operating table and back to her former life. She ought to get used to her vision and coordination problems.

This was the happiest day of Peter's life. The child would not have to have her head cut open; she would feel no pain; and the treatment was usually successful.

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