Thiago Tough

Thiago’s Story

Everyone has heard of cancer and how badly it affects families. Yet, it is not until it hits close to home that one truly understands the impact and chaos it creates. My sons and I live in a small town, leading an ordinary life. After a weekend away at their father's home, our world got flipped upside down. 

Thiago was diagnosed with intermediate-risk hepatoblastoma on March 3, 2021, at just four years old. It all began with a visit to the emergency room for what we thought was appendicitis. Thiago had been up all night complaining of sudden abdominal pain. Thiago was too young to have an MRI or CT scan to completely rule out appendicitis. So, because of his young age, our local emergency department physician suggested we be transported to the Children’s Hospital of Atlanta- Scottish Rite in Atlanta, Georgia. 

Before they conducted an MRI, they performed an ultrasound to try to avoid radiation exposure. That is where they saw a tumor in my son’s liver. After that, everything started to change. He had his port placement on March 4, 2021, and started chemo on March 10, 2021. The following weeks would be filled with fear and anxiety of the unknown. So much information was being thrown at us with so many possible outcomes. 

Thiago completed five rounds of chemotherapy with an MRI being conducted every month. With every MRI, the tumor decreased in size. Unfortunately, the location of the tumor made resection hard. It was located right in the middle of the liver surrounded by all the main vasculature of the liver. Unable to ensure us a complete successful resection, we prayed and made the decision to pursue a total liver transplant. Even though this meant a longer recovery and a lifetime of medication, we knew he would be cancer-free. Once approved and officially active on the transplant list, Thiago continued chemotherapy every two weeks. This would ensure no progression of the tumor. However, now we were facing the risks of continuing to expose our Thiago to the same chemo drug.

But as they say, God’s timing is perfect.

One month after being on the transplant list, while Thiago was completing two more rounds of chemo, we received a call on June 12, 2021, that Thiago had a liver waiting for him! 

His surgery was on June 13, 2021. With God’s help and the power of prayer, the surgery was a success, and Thiago had a new, cancer-free liver! God’s mercy and power were shown time after time after that. An estimated two weeks in the ICU turned into two days. An expected two-month stay in the hospital turned into only two weeks! He came out of surgery breathing on his own without the need for a tracheotomy and he was sewn up right away as the new liver fit perfectly in his body! He was up and walking within three days and eating solid food as well! The doctors and nurses were completely astonished at his recovery! He was absolutely killing it! 

We are a little over three months post-op now, and he continues to defy the expectations! We have had some minors bumps along the road. He did have to compete two lasts rounds of chemotherapy for preventative measures. These last two rounds were harder on his body than the previous treatments, and he was emotionally drained. However, he completed them like a champ, and overall, we have been truly blessed with his health! 

On August 27,202, Thiago was officially declared cancer-free and he got to ring the bell! 

Chemotherapy left Thiago with some hearing loss and he now requires hearing aids, will have to continue with blood work and check-ups with the transplant team, and also will have to take medication for the rest of his long life. Nonetheless, considering the obstacles my warrior has been through, this will be a walk in the park for him! 

Ever since his diagnosis, Thiago has shown nothing but strength and willingness to beat this nasty disease.

Through countless testing, procedures, chemotherapies, and a liver transplant, he has amazed doctors and everyone around him with his strength and faith. We couldn’t have gotten as far as we have without God and the amazing medical team and staff at both CHOA at Scottish Rite, Egleston, and the transplant team. We also full-heartedly want to thank organizations like the NCCS, Georgia Transplant Foundation, Ronald McDonald House, local charities from our hometown of Rome like Summitt Quest, St. Mary’s Catholic Church, and all of our family and friends for the neverending support and prayers. Nothing is impossible with God by your side! 

We are #ThiagoTough! God bless ❤️