There was a painful itch. - Sienna's three mosquito bites revealed signs of skin cancer.
The year is June 2023, and the family has recently returned from a vacation in Bali. One day, Shawnee (30) notices a small red spot on her daughter Sienna's (2) upper arm. At first, she assumes it to be a mosquito bite and doesn't give it much thought. But as time goes on, the bump refuses to heal, leaving it itchy and painful for the poor toddler.
In August, Sienna experiences discomfort during playtime with her brother (5). The "mosquito bite" even starts to bleed and crust over, prompting Shawnee to seek medical advice. The doctors they visit suspect a benign lump, but they're in for a shock. The itchy "bite" turns out to be melanoma—a form of skin cancer caused by a genetic mutation.
The family's world turns upside down in a heartbeat. Mom Shawnee recalling the events in an interview with the Daily Mail, "I still can't believe it. I'm scared and angry. I trusted the professionals- they had her life in their hands and they failed."
Doctor after doctor was consulted, and at first, they attempted to treat the area with cream. It wasn't until a tissue sample was taken that it became evident the bump would need to be completely removed, just like in the case of an adult with melanoma. Little Sienna was put through months of turmoil before her diagnosis was finally confirmed.
The Discovery of a Second Issue
After Sienna's diagnosis, follow-up examinations uncovered another shocking revelation. The young girl's lymph nodes were also compromised by the melanoma. "She was in the scanner for three hours, it was the most horrific day. The camera was so close to her face, but she couldn't move, and she kept screaming for help," Shawnee describes.
Sienna has since undergone several surgeries to excise both the melanoma and the lymph nodes. Soon, she'll be able to begin immunotherapy.
A Family of Four in Crisis
Since Sienna's melanoma diagnosis, the whole family has undergone extensive medical evaluation. Why? Because it's a genetic mutation. Sienna's brother had a similar-looking spot, but once removed, it turned out to be nothing significant.
To help her family through this crisis, Shawnee's sister created a "Go Fund Me" to support them. Shawnee has a wish: better education about melanoma in children.
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Source: symclub.org
