Bliss Thurman is a true pre-teenager. She loves a wide variety of activities - from playing video games to painting, from watching Spongebob Squarepants to tackling her pre-Algebra homework. Spelling is her favorite subject in school, but she aspires to be an artist when she grows up. Regardless what she is doing in her free time, she now enjoys it more than ever, free from the problems caused by a brain tumor.
Bliss started having symptoms in the spring of 2004 when she was 11 years of age. "Bliss' teachers were alarmed by her falling asleep in class frequently," said her mother Regina Thurman. "Most kids her age have tons of energy, but I noticed that Bliss was sleeping more than normal." When Mrs. Thurman brought Bliss to Loyola University Health System (Loyola), a brain tumor the size of a golf ball was discovered at the base of her skull.
Though the surgery to remove the tumor was successful, the growth returned. In the past, the next course of action would have been radiation treatments delivered by a linear accelerator, which targets the tumor with beams of radiation. While linear accelerators continue to provide effective radiation therapy for many types of cancers, the associated side effects can be traumatic, especially for a child. Thomas C. Origitano, MD, PhD, professor of neurological surgery at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine and medical director of Neurosci-ences at Loyola, took into consideration the type of tumor and the possible effects on Bliss, and recommended using the most advanced and precise radiation technology to attack her tumor thereby saving the healthy tissue surrounding it.
Acquired by Loyola in 2004, the new shaped-beam system is the most technologically advanced method for treating brain tumors that is available in the Chicago area.
Edward Melian, MD, assistant professor of radiation oncology, handled Bliss's treatment. "The unique beam-shaping capabilities deliver radiation to a very small and distinct area of the brain," said Dr. Melian. "By using the contoured fields, we can conform the high level of radiation directly to the tumor, sparing surrounding healthy tissue."
This technology allowed the Loyola team to treat an area within two millimeters of Bliss's critical brain structures. The precision of the computer-assisted radiosurgery system was critical for Bliss because her tumor was located near the area of the brain that will develop hormones throughout her life. "This level of precision wasn't possible before now, and, in the Chicago area, is only available at Loyola," said Dr. Origitano.
Mrs. Thurman was enthusiastic about the outpatient option for other reasons. Like most parents, one of her primary concerns was her daughter's comfort. "When we learned what the treatment would be, we were happy," she said. "It was important that Bliss continue to have as normal of a life as possible." She was able to start her 25 sessions after the school year, and each treatment lasted only about 20 minutes.
More importantly, the treatments did not interfere much with Bliss' normal routines. "She didn't lose her hair and, for the most part, she felt well enough to have a little fun," said Mrs. Thurman. During treatment, a mask is worn, on which the radiation beams are precisely targeted, Because Bliss's mask was molded to fit the precise dimensions of her head, she kept the same braids in her hair throughout her five-week course of treatment. "I had to keep Bliss's hair exactly the same," recalls her mother. "That was probably her least favorite part!"
The shaped-beam technology in a device dedicated to precision stereotactic radiotherapy and radiosurgery gives Loyola physicians a clear advantage in treating brain tumors. It is currently being used at the Loyola Outpatient Center, which opened last summer. In addition, Loyola has three state-of-the-art linear accelerators for the treatment of a variety of tumors and cancers throughout the body.
These days, Bliss spends more time worrying about getting on the honor roll and beating the next level of Pac-Man than she does worrying about her health. "She's been feeling really good, and we're really proud of her," said Mrs. Thurman. "She kept a great attitude throughout her treatment. But then again, she's always been a very positive kid. To make an appointment with a Loyola physician, call (708) 216-8563.
FREE Community Health Fair
Loyola University Health System specialists will provide free health screenings, information and consultations on June 28, from 10 a.m until 3 p.m. at the
Vision of Restoration - Rock of Ages Baptist Church, located at 9th and Madison Ave. in Maywood. Look for the Loyola Mobile Medical Unit in the church parking lot.
Screenings will include:
- Growth and body mass index
- Electronic laser vision screening
- Blood pressure check
- Hearing testing
- Pulmonary function testing
The following information will be available: - Insurance
- Dental hygiene
- Poison control
Consultations with physicians and staff and referrals will be available.
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