Sunshine Coast four-year-old Tessa Perry fights rare cancer, neuroblastoma

What started out as a seemingly normal toddler’s stomach ache has devastatingly ended in the festive period spent in hospital for a four-year-old Sunshine Coast girl. But despite the pain, her spirit remains unbroken.

Tessa Perry with her family. Picture - contributed.

What started out as a seemingly normal toddler’s stomach ache has ended in a devastating cancer diagnosis for a four-year-old Sunshine Coast girl – whose spirit remains unbroken despite the daily pain.

Tessa Perry, 4, of Palmview, was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer, Neuroblastoma, on November 7 last year.

Her mother, Renee Perry, said the main cancer mass was behind her stomach and in front of her spine.

“She has a few smaller masses in her spine … it’s also in her hips and bone marrow,” she said.

“It’s a tricky cancer to cure … we have been told a 60 per cent cure rate.”

Tessa Perry, Sunshine Coast. Picture – contributed.

Her Aunt, Claire Perry, said originally they thought it was just a stomach ache.

“Tessa’s journey began with seemingly innocent symptoms – a sore belly and leg pains,” she said.

“Further investigation revealed a malignant mass between Tessa’s stomach and spine, leaving her family in shock.

“With further investigation, devastatingly the cancer was found to have already spread to other areas in Tessa’s little body.

“(It’s) a rollercoaster of emotions that she and her family are bravely facing.

Tessa Perry is known for her ‘bright and sassy’ personality. Picture – contributed.

“Despite the challenges, Tessa’s spirit remains unbroken.”

In the blink of an eye the family’s world has been turned upside down.

“Tessa’s journey has already been filled with scans, chemo, needles, tests, blood transfusion and the challenges of navigating a frightening and unfamiliar world,” Ms Perry said.

Tessa Perry with her brother Remy Perry in hospital. Picture – contributed.

According to her parents, Renee and Darren Perry, Tessa was being incredibly brave.

“Tessa is brave, beautiful, strong, and sassy,” her mother said.

She said so far it’s been a long and emotional journey.

“As many have said it’s a marathon,” she said.

“Tessa so far has received two rounds of what the specialists call a gentle chemo … Tessa has tolerated both rounds very well, with her brave, sassy, giggly nature.

Tessa Perry in hospital. Picture – contributed.

“I’m such a proud Mummy of my girl.”

Brave little Tessa has been having massive needles each day, which her mother said stung badly and were quite scary, as she prepared for stem cell retrieval.

These would then be stored in a lab until after the next three rounds of intensive chemo are completed and given back to Tessa as her bone marrow.

Tessa Perry was all smiles in hospital despite her daily needles. Picture – contributed.

“And whole entire immunity is wiped. I guess you could call it a reboot of her body,” her mother said.

Things didn’t quite go as planned, and the stem cell retrieval has been postponed after Tessa contracted a bacterial infection.

The family spent quite some time in hospital over Christmas and New Years as she battled a high temperature and was administered antibiotics, and had blood and platelet transfusions.

“Nothing like a curveball. We are hanging in there,” her mother said.

“Despite this Tessa is awesome, sassy, smiling and has even managed to learn to write her name. Proud mumma moment.

“We feel the prayers and healing love sent out way.

“The 2024 goal is to kick cancer’s behind.”

Tessa’s third round of chemotherapy wasn’t as gentle either, Mrs Perry said.

Tessa Perry has remained positive through her cancer battle. Picture – contributed.

The family brought in the New Year in Hospital as Tessa recovered.

“This last round has knocked her and it's heartbreaking to watch our sassy, smiling girl being flat, tired and grumpy.

“(Saw in) the New Year vomiting and feeling sick and flat. Lots of anti nausea meds, blood transfusion and a lot of sleeping.

“Keeping busy getting ready to catch vomit, checking temps and watching for anything suspicious … living off Zooper Doopers (pink ones of course) and hugs from mummy.”

Despite a long and painful journey so far, Tessa’s spirits have remained high as doctors poked and prodded her cancer ridden body.

“It’s a long and bumpy road that we are navigating the best we can,” Mrs Perry said.

Tessa Perry was treated to a visit from Elsa while in hospital. Picture – contributed.

“We spend more time in hospital than anywhere else.

“It’s hard is an understatement. But we are remaining positive.

“We still have a long treatment journey ahead they have said up to 18 months, including more chemotherapy, an operation to remove the hopefully dead mass, radiation, bone marrow transplant, and immunotherapy.”

After a few days home last week, Tessa was back in hospital today, hooked up to fluids once again as she fought another round of gastro.

Tessa Perry has a long road ahead as she fights stage four cancer. Picture – contributed.

“Fingers and toes crossed that stem cell retrieval goes ahead on Thursday … getting a needle everyday is getting really rough,” her mother said.

Her aunt, Claire Perry, created a GoFundMe campaign to support the family.

“We are creating this GoFundMe page to support Tessa, Renee, Darren, and Remy during this brave fight,” she said.

“Renee had to leave her job to be by Tessa’s side in Brisbane, and the family is facing additional financial stress due to the need for accommodation in Brisbane, travel back and forth from the Sunshine Coast and medical expenses.”