Charlie Teo ‘miracle’ patient diagnosed with another brain tumour

The young Perth schoolgirl who made a miraculous recovery after Dr Charlie Teo operated on her brain tumour has been given crushing news.

A Perth schoolgirl, who was given a second chance after Dr Charlie Teo performed radical surgery to remove cancer from her brain, has been dealt a fresh blow.

Amelia “Milli” Lucas captured hearts around the world last year after her family crowdsourced $170,000 to fund an operation after doctors said chemotherapy and radiotherapy had stopped working on her tumour and it was inoperable.

The success of the “miracle” surgery gave Milli back her life however, tragically her mother Monica Smirk has just revealed her cancer has returned.

Taking to social media days ago, Ms Smirk said, “Tuesday we got some devastating news from Milli's scan. It’s back and we are weighing up our options.”

Last year Dr Teo and his team successfully removed 98 per cent of her malignant tumour, which went into her brain stem.

Amelia ‘Milli’ Lucas from Perth (pictured) underwent radical surgery last year to remove brain cancer. Picture: Facebook/TeamMillstar

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After the surgery, Milli was flown to Bochum in western Germany to receive treatment to remove the remaining 2 per cent of the tumour.

Ms Smirk said Milli had been told the cancer had returned and on her way home from Perth Children’s Hospital, she had asked for a puppy.

“So Milli got what she wanted, a shitzu cross poodle so she can stay inside with her and sleep on her bed,” she wrote.

“We named her Sprite meaning Angel/Fairy. Doogz is besotted with his new sister and she’s settling well into our family. Welcome Spritey we are in love.”

After finding out her cancer had returned, Milli’s family bought her a puppy. Picture: Facebook/TeamMillstar

Ms Smirk, Milli and other members of their family suffer from Li-Fraumeni syndrome, an extremely rare genetic disposition that puts the sufferer at a lifelong risk of a wide range of cancers.

The devastating disease is believe to affect less than 1000 people around the world.

Since sharing the heartbreaking message on Facebook, Ms Sprite’s post has gathered 1300 reactions as well as 419 comments from people offering Milli and her family their love and support.

One person said: “Adorable little puppy for gorgeous Millie. We are praying for you and sending all positive vibes to you, for you sweetheart, you deserve it.”

Milli’s lifesaving procedure was performed by Australian surgeon, Dr Charlie Teo (pictured right). Picture: Facebook/TeamMillstar

While a second added: “Lots of love and strength to Milly and you all from New Zealand. You are such an inspiration.”

A third wrote: “Oh my god, my heart is in pieces, but how gorgeous is Sprite?! We are heartbroken for you to hear this news but hope your new fur baby gives you so much love and happiness.”

Another said: “To hear this is devastating. I’m sorry to read this our hearts break. Big hugs to you all.”

The tragic news is all the more heartbreaking because following Dr Teo’s surgery Milli had been able to return to school and restart singing lessons – which is one of her passions.

Dr Teo is one of Australia’s top neurosurgeons and is known for taking on high-risk cases that other surgeons will refuse to do.

Those who’ve seen the post on social media about Milli’s cancer returning say they are heartbroken. Picture: Facebook/TeamMillstar

This approach has drawn criticism from other medical professionals throughout his career. However, Dr Teo said Milli and her family understood the risks.

“They know the risks,” he previously told The West Australian.

“They know it’s not curable and could reduce her quality of life, but they just aren’t ready to give up. It’s a very brave decision.”

Following the surgery, Dr Teo described it has one of the more difficult procedures he has encountered throughout his career.

“It went into the brain stem, the no-go zone where most people don’t operate”, he said.

– With Ally Foster