A YOUNG Dublin girl who needed a vital brain operation which is not available in the country has had surgery in Germany.

Petra Madill is recovering after a vital procedure in Berlin to treat tumours on her brain, eyes and ears.

Petra (25) has described how undergoing the complicated operation was like receiving "the gift of life for Christmas".

Over 12 years ago, Petra from Carrickmines was diagnosed with Neurofibromatosis Type II which causes potentially life threatening tumours to develop on her nerves.

The Dubliner has undergone numerous operations here, but heard about a new treatment called Cyberknife, a type of radiosurgery.

strapped

The procedure, which is at present carried out in a private clinic in Munich, was not covered under the E112 form or through the HSE.

And so Petra's family and friends rallied around to raise €20,000 to cover the cost of the operation, which was finally carried out last week.

"Doctors are happy and Petra is delighted," her father, Peter, told the Herald. "So now we're just keeping our fingers crossed. We're waiting to see if she will have permanent facial damage."

Petra was strapped to a table for one and a half hours for the difficult procedure in Germany.

Although it took longer than expected, because the tumour was bigger than what is usually treated, there was no pain involved. "It felt like a long time lying on that table trying to keep still especially as I have a bad back," Petra explained.

"I could feel the area in my brain being worked on, kind of like heat but also sore. It was okay, though, I was playing music in my head. I know from experience that relaxing really helps.

"It felt very unreal, even when I had the consultation the day before it didn't really feel real until I lay on the table."

Her dad, Peter, and mother, Deirdre, said that they were overwhelmed by the public's support and never dreamed that they would raise the funds so quickly.

"We raised more than €25,500, but we donated €5,500 to other charities," Peter said. "We always said that we wouldn't gain from the fundraising, that it would just be to pay for her operation.

"I owe a world of gratitude to everyone who helped to make this happen," Petra added. "It was like the gift of life for Christmas."

Petra, who is deaf and is on constant medication, will now have check-ups in Beaumont Hospital with her medical team.

The determined young woman still has her spirits up even though she realises that she could require further procedures because the treatment just halts the tumours' growth.

"She may need more treatment, she is doing grand, but we're all keeping our fingers crossed," Peter said.

Petra added: "I get monstrous headaches on and off, sometimes milder ones and I'm usually tired because the tumour swells after treatment."

OUTCOME

"There could be more side effects as it can happen even months after treatment but I do think this was much better than the invasive surgery I have had.

"The tumour was affecting me much more than I realised."

Communicating by email, Petra said that she realised the NF2 disease was a part of her.

"Nothing is guaranteed with any treatment but from what I read I'm hopeful about the outcome of the treatment and hope it will work," she said.

"I will possibly need different treatments for the rest of my life, I'm aware of that, but I'd rather have a life than not.

"I always say there's no point in being alive if you aren't living."

clairemurphy@herald.ie

- Claire Murphy