There's not always an easy solution

This very handsome and pleasant 16 year old entered our clinic escorted by one of our team members. Once I heard his age, of course we have to have a parent or guardian provide consent and be with anyone under 18 years of age. We brought in this child's mother and proceeded with our differential diagnosis.  After manipulating his right arm, with obviously something not right, Bac Si Ha diagnosed him with a bone tumor near the elbow. This tumor has been continually growing for years and has forced a dislocation of his elbow. As to be expected, this child was very hesitant to receive any injections. In fact, just looking at the needle made him cringe his face in fear. After patient consultation, this brave boy agreed to have his arm injected with lidocaine to numb the area so Bac Si Ha can manipulate the affected area. I couldn't tell if he was crying in pain or laughing, but my heart was breaking. It turned out that he was not crying and was just bearing fearful. Bac Si Ha worked carefully yet purposefully to manipulate this young man's elbow joint. No longer in pain, the boy stared in awe at the way Bac Si Ha was working on his joint. Ultimately the tumor was too big and too obstructive to relocate his elbow joint. Surgery will be the only option, to remove the tumor, and fix his elbow. Bac Si Ha could do the surgery, but time and facilities limit our ability. The mother was instructed that surgery could help the problem, and a recommendation to a local surgery center was made.

As I look at the other happy and joyful children around the clinic area, playing and acting like children, I looked at this boy directly in his eyes and my heart broke. To no fault of his own, his daily activities are so limited. He can not play and interact like the rest of the children. In fact, he will have a very difficult time growing into adulthood and maintaining any significant work unless this tumor is removed.
You're a brave, handsome guy!!! Keep the faith and I hope you get the treatment and support to provide you with a more productive lifestyle!!!