Wee Oscar showing signs of improvement

Published Wednesday, 17 October 2012
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Little Oscar Knox, who is battling a rare form of cancer, may soon fly home from America as he is showing signs of improvement after being in a critical condition.

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The four-year-old travelled to Philadelphia two weeks ago with his family to see if he could start a potentially life-saving medical trial.

Oscar, from Belfast, suffers from stage four neuroblastoma - an aggressive childhood cancer which could kill him.

The disease causes tumours to develop, in the stomach, spine, chest and neck, but can also spread to other parts of the body.

His parents were hoping he would receive immunotherapy, which could have given him an extra 25% chance of survival.

But tests revealed a condition with Wee Oscar's heart means he is not suitable for the specialist treatment and the family planned to travel back to Belfast as soon as he came out of intensive care.

Doctors believe the pulmonary hypertension could be a side effect of the chemotherapy and stem cell treatment.

Then his mum Leona revealed he had suffered yet another setback in the form of a collapsed lung, and his parents were told his outlook was not good.

But Oscar is now showing good signs of improvement since being in a critical condition, and pictures show him standing, smiling and chatting to medical staff.

The family say the support they have had from social media sites has been incredible.

His Wee Oscar twitter account, which the Knox family updates with information about their son, now has more than 21,000 followers, and Leona and Stephen have been detailing their journey on a blog.

In an update, the family said the hospital have used experimental techniques to save little Oscar's life and it is an amazing place for him to be, despite not getting the immunotherapy.

Oscar's father Stephen says Oscar will hopefully be taken home via air ambulance, possibly next week if he continues to improve.

The family says Oscar is now looking forward to coming home to play with his toys.

© UTV News
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6 Comments
Michael Monaghan in London wrote (216 days ago):
I am delighted to hear that you are showing signs of improvement and good to hear too that you will be returning home. I recall visiting you in the UCL hospital here in London and meeting your dedicated parents and chatting to your little sister. I send them and you Oscar our prayers and best wishes. Michael
olive sheridan in Canada wrote (217 days ago):
Amazing parents have amazing kids I admire the fighting strength you all have.Wee Oscar deserves the miracle we are all praying for.May God grant it if it be his will.XX00
beth in dromore co down wrote (218 days ago):
Great news wee man. We have all been praying for you. You are so brave, I bet Santa will e really good to u and Issie this year :) Anyway u keep on the mend and get home soon and I can asure u there will be many many ppl happy to see you home. Love to you all. Beth
Karen in Belfast wrote (218 days ago):
Best of luck Oscar - you are a credit to your parents and such a brave little man!! Sending lots of hugs your way x
jackie in belfast wrote (218 days ago):
Go wee man hope you are back home soon.
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