21-05-2025
SPM student left bedridden by brain tumour, says heartbroken mother
ALOR STAR: Mia Orked Lestary Mohd Yusaidil Fitra is supposed to be attending school to prepare for her Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) examinations later this year.
However, the eldest child of four and a bright student who was actively playing netball and enjoyed mountain climbing, is now left bedridden due to a brain tumour.
"I've cried my heart out seeing the condition of my daughter in a coma. She used to be healthy and cheerful," said her mother, Suhaily Karno, 42, in tears.
Mia began experiencing hearing problems, unstable walking, and frequent shivering since last October, she said.
After several visits to the Tualang Health Clinic, the doctor referred her to the Sultanah Bahiyah Hospital (HSB) due to recurring symptoms.
"After taking samples and undergoing an MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) scan, my daughter was confirmed to have brain tumours on both the left and right sides of her brain," she said in an interview at their home in Kampung Banggol Chengal, Telaga Mas.
Suhaily said her daughter's condition deteriorated, and she underwent eight surgeries between October and the latest one on May 14.
She said six of the procedures involved inserting tubes to remove excess fluid from her head, while the other two involved spinal surgery and the removal of pus from her abdomen.
"She was supposed to sit for her SPM, but now she can't move, and only shows signs of discomfort by moving her legs or fingers.
"When we call her name, only her pupils move. Since her eyes remain open constantly, I have to use tape to help her sleep," she said.
She added that she is currently unemployed to provide full care for Mia, while her husband, Mohd Yusaidil Fitra Mat Isa, 43, does odd jobs.
The couple have three other children, aged between six and 14.
"My daughter needs to see specialists at HSB between five to six times a week. We have to use an ambulance to transport her to the hospital because it is difficult to lift her into a car," she said.
She added that Mia is fully dependent on a special formula milk, with one small can costing RM50, lasting only a day, administered via a feeding tube.
"I have no choice but to use whatever money we have to buy the milk, even though it's expensive.
It's the only nutrition recommended by the doctor for her energy. She also requires disposable diapers," she said.
Suhaily said Mia is scheduled to undergo surgery to remove the tumour on the right side of her brain on Aug 17.
Meanwhile, Cancer Survivors Malaysia (CSM), chairman Zuraini Kamal, who visited the family, donated an air mattress, a phlegm suction machine, cash, and groceries to ease their burden.
