THE TREATMENT of a Chipping Norton girl’s rare form of bone cancer is ‘progressing well’ in New York.
Eight-year-old Anna Drysdale was diagnosed with Osteosarcoma in 2017.
Anna and her family were able to move to New York following fundraising efforts, which have so far raised over £212,000.
The Holy Trinity Catholic School pupil moved to America last month to commence targeted therapy treatment for the prevention of recurrence Osteosarcoma.
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Anna’s mum Keeley Drysdale said: “Anna had all her initial pre-treatment scans and tests which were all good and she had a Mediport central line fitted in her chest ready for the immunotherapy infusions.
“She’s now had her first full cycle of treatment which involved 10 days of injections and three days of infusions.
“Unfortunately the infusions were really tough and very painful and the side effects lasted for quite a few days but it’s hoped that they’ll become less painful as treatment progresses.
“The team at MSK (Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center) is amazing, incredibly professional and very lovely with Anna.
“Her recent blood tests are good and confirm she’s ready to start her next cycle on Wednesday, February 26 so for now it’s just check ups.”
The family left for America in January and could be there for up to a year.
Meanwhile, slightly closer to home, one local resident has been fundraising for Anna’s treatment.
Christine Whetren - who does supply work at The Town Nursery, Chipping Norton - had her head shaved at the nursery on Monday afternoon.
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She said: “It was surprising how quickly it all came off despite how thick it was, it was all off within 10 minutes.
“There was about 12 kids there from the nursery, all of them were sat mesmerised and I got a big clap at the end.
“I’ve got five grandchildren of my own and I would do anything for them.”
So far she has raised about £900, but is hoping to hit the £1,000 mark.
To donate to Anna’s JustGiving page, please visit: justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Anna-Drysdale
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