Baby Declared Cancer-Free Celebrates First Birthday at Home

A baby diagnosed with a brain tumour at just three months old has celebrated her first birthday at home following successful treatment. Emilie Sime, from Uddingston in South Lanarkshire, was declared cancer-free earlier this month, bringing immense relief and joy to her family.

Kayleigh Sime, 31, first noticed something unusual about her daughter Emilie’s behaviour in January 2024. Shortly before a planned family holiday to Spain, she observed strange facial expressions and shaking in Emilie’s hands. Concerned, Kayleigh and her husband, Blake Sime, 30, took their daughter to the University Hospital in Wishaw, where she was promptly transferred to the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow for further evaluation.

At the Royal Hospital for Children, medical staff conducted an electroencephalogram (EEG) to monitor Emilie’s brain activity and performed an MRI scan. The results revealed a brain tumour, prompting immediate medical intervention. Dr. Emer Campbell, a consultant neurosurgeon, led the team that operated on Emilie and devised a treatment plan that included several months of chemotherapy.

Emilie underwent surgery and spent three weeks recovering in Ward 3A, followed by additional care in the Schiehallion Ward. Throughout her treatment, she received chemotherapy every two weeks from March to September 2024, with each session requiring a hospital stay of three to five days.

In September, the family received unexpected but welcome news: Emilie’s treatment could conclude earlier than planned, contingent on her attending three-month check-ups. Kayleigh expressed her disbelief and gratitude at the announcement, stating, “I was so overwhelmed that I sat there like a robot. It was unbelievable that our girl was OK.”

Emilie celebrated her first birthday at home in October, surrounded by family, marking a significant milestone in her recovery journey. Kayleigh reflected on the support they received from the hospital staff, saying, “We couldn’t have done it without the staff at the RHC. Everyone, including facilities staff, doctors, and nurses, made us feel welcome and kept us company.”

The family’s experience highlights the importance of timely medical intervention. Kayleigh’s instincts as a mother prompted her to seek help, which ultimately led to Emilie’s diagnosis and subsequent recovery. She described Emilie as a “wee fighter” who maintained her cheerful disposition throughout her ordeal, adding, “She just seemed to have so much resilience and continued to be a wild child.”

Dr. Campbell noted the collaborative efforts of the multidisciplinary teams at the hospital, stating, “We have multidisciplinary teams who all work together well to support patients and their families, so it is great to hear such kind words from Kayleigh about the care they received during Emilie’s time with us.”

As Emilie embarks on this new chapter of her life, her family is grateful for the support of the medical team and the opportunity to celebrate their daughter’s first birthday without the burden of illness.