{"id":4462,"date":"2024-02-01T11:34:48","date_gmt":"2024-02-01T04:34:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/c-techlabs.com\/intl\/9-month-old-with-a-brain-tumor-overcomes-obstacles-recovers-over-10-years-and-attends-school-like-any-other-child\/"},"modified":"2025-10-09T22:36:47","modified_gmt":"2025-10-09T15:36:47","slug":"9-month-old-with-a-brain-tumor-overcomes-obstacles-recovers-over-10-years-and-attends-school-like-any-other-child","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/c-techlabs.com\/intl\/9-month-old-with-a-brain-tumor-overcomes-obstacles-recovers-over-10-years-and-attends-school-like-any-other-child\/","title":{"rendered":"9-Month-Old with a Brain Tumor Overcomes Obstacles, Recovers Over 10 Years, and Attends School Like Any Other Child"},"content":{"rendered":"

This is the story of a 9-month-old child diagnosed with a tumor in the brain’s nerve center (choroid plexus). Initially unable to lift his head or move his legs, he eventually stood up and began to walk after using ECCT. Over 10 years, he grew into a teenager who could attend school like any other child.<\/em><\/p>\n

\"CT
CT scan results before and after ECCT use from year to year. Photos of Taqi from three months of ECCT use until 10 years later.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Foto
Foto Taqi dari setelah pemakaian ECCT 3 bulan hingga setelah 10 tahun. (en translation)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Taqi’s story was written to commemorate World Childhood Cancer Day on February 15, 2021.<\/em><\/p>\n

BIG-HEADED BOY, THE BREAKER OF GREAT SPIRIT<\/h3>\n

“When Taqi’s room companion didn’t show up for the second radiation appointment, I tried to contact their parents,” said Mr. Sulistiyo, Taqi\u2019s father.<\/p>\n

“It turned out that the child had passed away a few days earlier.”<\/p>\n

What parent wouldn’t feel their heart sink upon hearing such news? Especially when, not long after that incident, another child undergoing treatment also passed away.<\/p>\n

No human can escape death. No matter how far we go, even hiding behind thick walls, death will always come.<\/p>\n

Taqi\u2019s parents never expected their tiny baby to face such a heavy burden\u2014living side-by-side with a tumor. At that time, baby Taqi was undergoing the routine measles immunization. Usually, Taqi\u2019s body would be hot for a few days as a common reaction post-immunization. But this time, his fever lasted over a week and did not subside. Taqi, who usually was not fussy, cried continuously.<\/p>\n

“Out of worry, we took him to the pediatrician,” said Taqi\u2019s parents.<\/p>\n

The doctor said nothing was wrong, even noting Taqi\u2019s relatively large head and suggesting that he would grow up to be smart. Taqi’s parents happily accepted the doctor’s opinion.<\/p>\n

However, a few days later, Taqi had seizures followed by his eyes becoming crossed. His parents immediately took him back to the pediatrician, who then referred them to a neurologist. The neurologist recommended a CT scan to uncover Taqi\u2019s true condition.<\/p>\n

The CT scan results were shocking: Taqi had a tumor in his brain, precisely at the center of the brain where cerebrospinal fluid is produced\u2014a choroid plexus tumor. This caused excessive fluid production, leading to hydrocephalus, a condition in which the head size greatly exceeds average due to fluid buildup in the brain. Suddenly, the room felt small and suffocating to Taqi’s parents.<\/p>\n

They looked at Taqi with deep sorrow.<\/p>\n

At that time, Taqi was only nine months old\u2014a stage where babies are supposed to be at their cutest. But there was no babbling or playful sounds typical of babies. Taqi lay helpless, trapped by the tormenting grip of the brain tumor.<\/p>\n

Children are a source of joy for their parents, the embodiment of love and affection. Nothing could stop them from doing whatever it took to relieve the suffering of their beloved child.<\/p>\n

Taqi was referred to a large hospital for further treatment, and his parents began long days in hospital corridors. After all the necessary examinations, doctors scheduled surgery. In their ignorance and helplessness, Taqi\u2019s parents left everything in the hands of the doctors.<\/p>\n

“We just wanted Taqi to get better,” recalled Mr. Sulistiyo, Taqi\u2019s father. “We didn\u2019t know what else to do except surrender to the doctors.”<\/p>\n

Throughout the surgery, prayers never left their lips. They knew this was when they needed HIS help the most. Every hour felt like an eternity.<\/p>\n

At just one year old, little Taqi faced the operating table, risking his life. The first surgery was to insert a shunt to drain the excess brain fluid. The second surgery was to remove part of the tumor mass from the central gland producing cerebrospinal fluid. The operation could not be completed in one go due to its proximity to the brain’s nerve center.<\/p>\n

But the journey to recovery did not end there. Taqi still had to undergo radiation as part of his healing process, as only a small portion of the tumor could be removed due to its location at the nerve center.<\/p>\n

However, seeing others who were also undergoing treatment dampened Taqi\u2019s parents’ spirits.<\/p>\n

“We felt like we were wandering around a dark, endless tunnel, unable to find a way out.”<\/p>\n

At that time, Taqi’s parents were completely clueless about what to do. They tried everything for Taqi\u2019s recovery, even things that seemed illogical, all as an effort to heal.<\/p>\n

Life is uncertain; we never know what will happen or how much time we have left. But as humans, we are obliged to strive for something better.<\/p>\n

“While waiting in the hospital, I happened to see an interview with Dr. Warsito on TV discussing ECCT. I felt that this was the answer to our long prayers,” recalled Mr. Sulistiyo upon first learning about ECCT.<\/p>\n

Even though the information they received was still unclear, they felt hopeful that ECCT had to be the choice. It was like seeing a lantern illuminating the dark tunnel they were in.<\/p>\n

Without much consideration, they rushed toward this hope that was almost lost. Although they did not fully understand how the device worked, they believed it was the solution to Taqi\u2019s better future.<\/p>\n

Taqi eventually received the ECCT device, and his scheduled radiation was canceled.<\/p>\n

Shortly after starting ECCT therapy, Taqi\u2019s condition gradually improved. He was able to lift his large head. Since their house didn\u2019t have air conditioning, they had to install a cooling system as Taqi sweated a lot and felt overheated while wearing the head-cover-shaped ECCT device.<\/p>\n

Initially, Taqi developed red, heat-rash-like spots due to excessive sweating. But over time, his condition continued to improve. His previously crossed eyes began to return to normal, and his weak arms and legs gained strength. Within a few months of using the device, Taqi could sit up independently.<\/p>\n

ECCT slowly led them out of the darkness. Truly, Allah has mysterious ways of showing His works.<\/p>\n

“We still regularly take Taqi to the hospital for check-ups, just to match the clinic\u2019s examination results with those at the hospital,” said Taqi\u2019s parents. “It also reassures us that we\u2019re on the right path.” Each year\u2019s CT scan showed a shrinking tumor mass, and the excess fluid in his brain gradually decreased.<\/p>\n

Eight years have passed since the initial brain tumor diagnosis. At the age of 9, Taqi is now an active and talkative child, running around and playing with his friends at school.<\/p>\n

In life, the most important thing is to have hope and pursue it tirelessly until it comes true. No matter how complicated or difficult life may be, everything will eventually pass with time. Sometimes difficulties serve as a sign to take the first step.<\/p>\n

Just as Taqi’s parents did. After months, even years of dealing with hospitals, they met many others who were suffering far more than they were. Every hardship brings good for those with big hearts, allowing us to understand others\u2019 pain better than before and making us more resilient against disappointment.<\/p>\n

Taqi’s parents started helping those around them who were struggling. They reached out to benefactors to ease the burden of their brothers and sisters. Although doubts sometimes arose about their efforts, seeing the suffering of others always compelled them to help.<\/p>\n

Sometimes we lose motivation when facing rejection from those around us. We may wonder if we\u2019re unworthy of doing this or if we should change ourselves to fit societal expectations.<\/p>\n

However, they never wanted to fail in helping others and always fought to succeed with all their strength and capabilities. If we have the will, we will find a way.<\/p>\n

Everyone has something to offer to the world, even if it\u2019s just a small step. Let\u2019s do what we can, with what we have, wherever we are. If we want to do it, we can. We are alive, we are here, so let\u2019s act now.<\/p>\n

Love and kindness are never wasted. They always bring change, blessings to the recipient, and blessings to the giver. We may not have much, but we can always have enough. This is a feeling known only to those who are grateful.<\/p>\n

[THIS STORY WAS WRITTEN TO COMMEMORATE WORLD CHILDHOOD CANCER DAY]<\/p>\n

Lampung, February 15, 2021.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

At 9 months old, Taqi was diagnosed with a choroid plexus tumor in the brain\u2019s nerve center, causing hydrocephalus that left him unable to move or even lift his head. Two surgeries to drain fluid and remove part of the tumor were followed by plans for radiation, but his parents chose another path\u2014ECCT therapy by Dr. Warsito.<\/p>\n

After starting ECCT, Taqi\u2019s condition improved rapidly. He could lift his head, sit up, and later stand and walk. Year after year, CT scans showed the tumor shrinking and brain fluid levels normalizing. His crossed eyes and weak limbs also gradually returned to normal.<\/p>\n

Now, more than 10 years later, Taqi has grown into an active teenager who goes to school, plays with friends, and lives a healthy, joyful life.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":4463,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"default","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"set","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center 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