Bad News

Fintan was back at the Royal London this week for what has become his monthly EUA. Unfortunately, we had the news we have been dreading for a long time - his right eye is again showing signs of activity and there is nothing more that can be done to save it; it will be removed next Wednesday (16 Feb).

We had noticed a change in Fintan's eye over the past couple of weeks; his eye seemed quite bloodshot, squinting more than normal and the pupil was not dilating as much as it should and had become misshapen. When the consultants carried out the EUA, although the eye is still mostly obscured by an old retinal bleed, they noticed quite obvious changes to the eye indicating that there is tumour activity again. The only option is to remove the eye as soon as possible.

As Fintan has not had any vision in this eye for some time, the loss of the eye should not have any significant affects on his current vision levels. When they remove the eye, they will insert a temporary prosthetic eye and he will have a little discomfort for a while, but will only have to remain in hospital overnight.

We have mixed emotions about the enucleation (eye removal); the positive is that this troublesome eye will be gone taking away the risks it poses to Fintan, but the negative is a lifetime of prosthetic eye care and his left eye could still possibly relapse.

However, Fintan has taken the news incredibly well and we are very proud of him!

Due to Fintan being seen early in the day and James having to dash off to catch a flight to the US, the camera didn't even get unpacked, but Fintan is always more than willing to pose for a picture!