Taylor released from the hospital
A grinning Taylor Radtke was released from a Phoenix hospital Saturday morning, less than 48 hours after an intricate surgery to remove a brain tumor was deemed an overwhelming success.
The 7-year-old Johnsburg girl now is recovering with the support of her family -- including 5-year-old brother Blake and her grandparents -- at a time-share unit 10 minutes from the hospital, her mother, Laurie, said.
Though she can eat what she wants, Taylor faces other restrictions: She can't be jostled or really ride in a car. She also must be watched closely. That includes at night, when she'll share a queen bed with her mom, tucked in nearby.
Taylor, a second-grader who loves cheerleading and animals, traveled to St. Joseph's Hospital & Medical Center in Phoenix earlier this month to have the tumor removed. Surgeons initially believed only a piece of the growth, which rested near her carotid artery, could be taken out -- but they later were able to remove all of it.
Earlier Coverage Seven-year-old Taylor Radtke, diagnosed with a rare tumor that threatens her vision and mobility, needs life-saving surgery that few doctors are willing to perform. Stories Taylor released from hospital[10/28/07]Taylor's recovery going well[10/27/07] Taylor's 'inoperable' tumor removed [10/26/07] Fear, hope as Taylor's surgery begins [10/25/07] Lake Zurich fundraiser to benefit girl [10/22/07] The surgeon who wouldn't say no [10/21/07] Taylor's surgery next week [10/19/07] Firefighters, friends, strangers all help Taylor [10/18/07] Column: On a cross-country ride of hope [10/18/07] Taylor's trip a dream come true [10/17/07] Taylor's smiles choke up dad [10/16/07] Editorial: Story brings heartfelt response [10/16/07] A dream comes true [10/15/07] Wish has Radtkes' riding high [10/14/07] Taylor finds doctor to do the surgery [10/13/07] You've already done so much for little Taylor [10/12/07] Ailing girl's parents buoyed by support [10/12/07] Outpouring of help eases pain for Johnsburg family [10/11/07] McHenry Co. family praying for 'miracle' cure to help save their daughter [10/10/07] Video Taylor's surgery Visiting the doctor Special zoo tour At Sea World At the zoo Taylor goes onboard How you can help DONATE - Donations for Taylor Radtke are being accepted at First Midwest Bank's Johnsburg branch, 3805 N. Johnsburg Road, and McHenry branch, 1308 N. Route 31. Funds raised will be put toward research, travel expenses and medical costs. SEND A CARD - If you'd like to write the Radtkes a card, please send them courtesy of Amy Mack, Daily Herald, 385 Airport Road, Suite A, Elgin, IL 60123. A post-surgery MRI shows no visible signs of the tumor, her doctors said. Lingering cells, though, may mean the growth will return someday.There also are no signs now of paralysis, nerve damage or vision loss, but Laurie Radtke said her little girl isn't yet out of the woods.Taylor was released from the hospital in the belief that kids feel better and do better in a more homey setting."I think the best news that we've had, from Taylor's point of view, is that she was able to get out of the hospital," Laurie Radtke said. "For me, it was the day she woke up and I could see her alive."Taylor still is on medication and faces follow-up doctor appointments in Arizona. The family will stay there for at least two to three weeks. 512288A grinning Taylor Radtke was released from a Phoenix hospital Saturday morning, less than 48 hours after an intricate surgery to remove a brain tumor was deemed an overwhelming success.Brian Hill | Staff Photographer