Chevaughn Joseph
Pravir has always been an active child. He was always jumping and running about wild and free, so when his left foot became swollen, his dad and I did not pay it any mind. One morning though, I noticed a lump on his groin area. He was only two years old so I didn’t make it into a big deal but jumped to my personal conclusion that it was a hernia. We visited Princes Town Health Centre where they advised that the lump had to be surgically removed at the San Fernando General Hospital, as it was very large. A biopsy and CT scan were done. The CT scan revealed a mass on Pravir’s kidney, which led to everything else that followed. He was diagnosed with metastatic neuroblastoma—Stage 4.
It took us a week before we were admitted to the JBF SU where we met with Dr Bodkyn and the team to figure out a protocol for Pravir.
He started chemotherapy and after four cycles he had surgery and soon after started radiation.
Everything was going well until one day at home, Pravir started urinating blood. We were back at the hospital again for an emergency scan which revealed the regrowth of the tumor on top and into the same kidney. We were told that it would be best for Pravir’s kidney to be removed to prevent future regrowth. The second surgery was done, followed by eight cycles of chemotherapy.
I was five months pregnant at the time and had no choice but to stay at Mt Hope with Pravir up until I was eight months pregnant then my husband took over. While I was in labour, Pravir was warded for chemo. It was a difficult time but God, knowing my situation took care of us and I gave birth to my perfect baby girl Annaya, who made my world bright again.
Annaya is growing so quickly sometimes it’s hard to believe I’m missing out on seeing her grow but I know she is being well taken care of by my family. I thank God for them. My mother and my sister-in-law have always been there through all of this and I cannot thank them enough for their tremendous support.
Unfortunately earlier this year we struck a third obstacle…the tumor started to grow again. This time however, there is a mass in his chest. He is currently being treated with chemotherapy so he can maintain his wellness.
This journey is very frustrating. It’s like our progress is always crushed when bad news strikes. As parents, we feel discouraged and often broken with our first-born’s medical situation.
We know that we must keep the faith and be strong for Pravir. We always try to remember that a child feeds off of their parent’s emotions so this gives us the courage to stay positive. We don’t have time to be weak. As a mother, I try my best not to cry around him but I’m only human.
I see miracles happen every day and I’ve learned to let go of the things I cannot change and strengthen my faith in God. I know He has a plan so who am I to question anything?
As Hindus, our morning tradition is to shower, light our deya, and do aarti. We pray and light incense. Pravir knows the importance of pooja and prayer. He enjoys performing these rituals.
Through all of this, Pravir has remained a strong child. He is still as active and playful as always and loves his baby sister. He knows that in order to get better he needs to go through the frequent hospital visits. He makes us aware of any pain or discomfort so that we can be ahead of his cancer.
Through all of this, prayer and faith matter the most. We know and understand that all that we are going through is part of our life’s purpose. One day at a time is the best way to cope.
Pravir had a few things to say which will surely make you smile:
Pravir :
My favourite food is Macaroni and Cheese
My favourite cartoon is
Crocodiles
My favourite song is Gunga Ghana
My favourite colour is yellow— like the T& TEC power cord
I love playing with my baby
sister
I wished for a baby sister (this wish clearly came true)
When I grow up I want to be a T&TEC man
My favorite person is…Daddy and Naya (baby sister)
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