Diagnosis: Bilateral Retinoblastoma
Emily Gillett’s own experience with eye cancer drove her to seek a second opinion when she noticed a “glow” in her son’s eye. Emily’s son, Carter Wogan, was just 3 months old when she first noticed a white “glow” in photos. She also noticed his left eye would drift to the side.
Carter’s pediatrician didn’t diagnose any problems, so Emily sought a second opinion at Nationwide Children’s Hospital. There, he was diagnosed with Bilateral Retinoblastoma, the same cancer Emily had lost her eye to as a child. Doctors there found one tumor in Carter’s right eye and three in his left eye. Since then, three more tumors have developed in his left eye, while the tumor in his right eye is no longer considered an issue.
At the end of summer 2016, Carter finished six months of chemotherapy and laser treatments. Carter has lost some sight in his left eye and struggles with hand-eye coordination, but a recent MRI showing a mass on his brain has thankfully been determined to be a cyst, not a tumor.
Carter’s cancer has put a strain on the family, but they remain committed to raising awareness about this disease for their son and other children who are affected by Bilateral Retinoblastoma.
