Two-year-old McKenna Xydias diagnosed with stage-three ovarian cancer
A toddler from Senoia, Georgia has been diagnosed with an extremely rare case of ovarian cancer.
McKenna Shea Xydias, nicknamed Kenni by her family and friends, was taken to the doctor after suffering fevers, a bloated belly and difficulty going to the bathroom.
"We took her to the doctor — at that point they thought it was gas so they told us to give her gas drops and let them know if she got anymore fevers," her father Mike said to Good Morning America. After running another high temperature, Kenni was taken back to the pediatrician where they performed X rays. Her family was told she might be suffering from a "gas bubble."
But an ultrasound located a 14-centimeter mass on one of Kenni's ovaries, diagnosing the toddler with Stage 3 Yolk Sac Ovarian Cancer. Later CT and MRI scans also showed several more cancerous tumors around her abdomen, including near her liver. Kenni's right ovary and parts of her small intestine were removed during surgery, and she will soon undergo chemotherapy.
"She is a ball of energy and a stereotypical 2-year-old," her dad said. "She's the youngest child, where she is the boss and she's extremely stubborn, which a great character trait in going to fight cancer. She doesn't let anything stop her."
The family is raising funds to help pay medical bills and support the Xydias family, including Kenni's two older brothers. According to a GoFundMe update, the family is also addressing how Kenni's treatment may impact her fertility down the road.
"Not sure we're quite ready for big picture just yet. Smaller bites can be easier to swallow," they wrote on a blog post. You can support Kenni's battle here.
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