Our Stories
Healthier Children. A Better World.™
Our Kids - Meet Julian
Julian's first symptoms were severe headaches and vomiting. Doctors said it was likely the flu, but Julian's mom Adrian, had a feeling it was much worse.
In the winter of 2003, Julian started having headaches and feeling sick a lot. His mom decided to take him to the hospital where he was given a CAT scan "I told them to do a CAT scan," she said. "I just knew."
Julian, Brain Tumour
Only a few hours later, he was transferred to SickKids where he underwent an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan, which uses x-rays to create cross-sectional images of the brain. Julian who was both afraid and confused had to lie very still for 90 minutes on a small bed that slides inside a large metal cylinder while pictures were being taken.
The MRI scan revealed he had a brain tumour at the back of his skull. His type of tumour was called medulloblastoma and it was the size of a plum. He was given an 84 per cent chance of survival.
When Julian learned that he had cancer he said "Let's just get this done and take the poison out of my head."
He was operated on the day after his diagnosis. The surgery removed most of the tumour but part of it couldn't be removed without damaging surrounding tissue.
For the next six weeks, Julian had radiation therapy every day along with low dosage chemotherapy. He then had a year-long course of chemotherapy which he finished in June 2004. There is no evidence that the tumour has spread but Julian will have MRI scans every three months and his progress will be carefully monitored.
Julian is a big fan of Jim Carrey and was watching the movie 'The Mask' during the time he was being fit for his radiation mask. Julian related to the character and it helped him through a difficult time.
At a recent SickKids event, Julian made a speech that touched the hearts of all those present. As he stood at the podium, he proclaimed "I am just a regular kid."
When Julian grows up, he wants to be a volunteer at SickKids and work with kids that have cancer. He feels his own experience with the illness will provide hope and motivation to those who share the same battle he does.
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