Dr Charlie Teo's miracle girl: Cancer patient, 12, is up and walking in hospital - less than 48 hours after lifesaving operation that critics said would KILL her or leave her paralysed
- Charlie Teo's 12-year-old cancer patient walking less than 48 hours after surgery
- Milli Lucas walked through Sydney's Prince of Wales Hospital on Wednesday
- She thanked her supporters from her hospital bed a day earlier, on Tuesday
- The 12-year-old underwent six hours of brain surgery performed by Charlie Teo
- Teo admitted the procedure was one of the 'more difficult' ones he's done
- Doctor revealed he was able to successfully remove 98 per cent of her tumour
- Family crowdfunded $160,000 for her surgery via GoFundMe, sparking debate
Charlie Teo's 12-year-old cancer patient is up and walking in hospital less than 48 hours after a lifesaving operation, which critics said would kill her or leave her paralysed.
Milli Lucas was all smiles as she proved the naysayers wrong by walking through the corridors of Sydney's Prince of Wales Hospital on Wednesday afternoon.
The youngster, who was dressed in comfy clothes and colourful slippers, confidently limped through the hospital in footage shared to Facebook.
'And the little champion is up and at 'em,' the video was captioned.
'Walking so well and pacing the corridors.'
Scroll down for video
Charlie Teo's 12-year-old cancer patient is up and walking in hospital less than 48 hours after a lifesaving operation, which critics said would kill her or leave her paralysed
Beaming: Brave Milli Lucas, 12, smiled from ear to ear hours after undergoing a risky six-hour brain operation
The youngster, who was dressed in comfy clothes and colourful slippers, confidently limped through the hospital in footage shared to Facebook
Milli went into a six-hour surgery just before 7am on Monday in a last-ditch attempt to remove her brain tumour and prolong her life.
Her family had crowdfunded $160,000 to pay for her surgery.
The 12-year-old is now facing rehabilitation as she recovers from the make-or-break surgery.
Eager followers commended the young girl's bravery online as she took her first steps only two days after the operation.
Share this article
'Go Milli. I'm so glad your doing so well. Keep positive thinking gorgeous girl. Love that big smile,' one person said.
'What amazing determination! Amelia, you are inspiring,' said another.
Less than 24 hours after surgery, Milli smiled from ear to ear as she thanked her supporters from her hospital bed.
'My head's a bit sore,' she said when she was visited by Today Tonight's Mark Gibson.
Eager followers commended the young girl's bravery online as she took her first steps only two days after the operation. 'Go Milli. I'm so glad your doing so well. Keep positive thinking gorgeous girl. Love that big smile,' one person said
The youngster (pictured before the procedure) went into surgery just before 7am on Monday in a last-ditch attempt to remove her brain tumour and prolong her life
On Wednesday Ms Smirk shared a picture (above) of Professor Teo (right) and captioned it: 'Seriously could this man get any better?!!'
'I'm OK. I'm doing well. Thank you for all your help.'
Hours after the operation, Milli's mother Monica Smirk announced the operation was a success.
She taken out of the intensive care unit, enjoyed her first post-surgery meal, and is now recovering in the paediatric ward.
The young girl's battle with brain cancer had received national attention after her family was forced to raise money for the procedure performed by Dr Teo.
The surgeon spoke for the first time since the operation, admitting the procedure was one of the 'more difficult' that he's done in his career.
'It went into the brain stem, the no-go zone where most people don't operate', he said, explaining the surgery put Milli at risk of paralysis, coma and death.
Dr Teo was able to remove 98 per cent of the girl's tumour, and has referred her to specialists in Germany who will work on getting rid of the remaining two per cent.
Earlier, Ms Smirk told the West Australian Milli was 'recouping better than the first operation she had (in 2016) and she's talking'.
'Charlie is the man!' she said.
'She is lifting her arms and legs, she's awake, talking and smiling.'
She shared a picture of Dr Teo and captioned it: 'Seriously could this man get any better?!!'
The 12-year-old's father, Grant Lucas, confirmed on Facebook just before 7am Monday morning that Milli (pictured with Dr Teo) had gone into surgery, saying: 'Keep everything crossed'
Milli's mother shared the good news on Facebook, announcing the procedure was a success
Appearing on Today Tonight , her distraught parents, Monica (left) and Grant (right) claimed doctors in Western Australia had refused to carry out the procedure amid fears of paralysis
'Wanted to make sure I got the photo this morning of them both wearing Wish For Milli scarves while operating on her.
'Milli is doing well and now back on ward.'
Announcing the procedure was a success on Monday, Ms Smirk wrote on Facebook: 'Milli's awake and in ICU, operation was a success, Charlie has got it all and her right leg and arm is moving but don't know yet to what extent'.
'Thank you everyone one of you for your support and love. She's so amazing'.
The little girl was all smiles as she was taken into the operating theatre for surgery, but the procedure was not without risks.
Doctors said the operation could leave her with permanent weakness in one side of her body, or at worst, coma or paralysis.
Milli arrived in Sydney from her home in Western Australia last week after her family crowdfunded $160,000 for her treatment.
Dr Teo said while the future was often grim for those who undergo the high-risk procedure, Milli should be commended for her courage and bravery.
Milli (pictured) was diagnosed with an aggressive and malignant brain tumour in January 2016 - the same form of cancer that claimed the life of her seven-year-old cousin in 2007
The surgery was made possible after a successful gofundme campaign raised more than $160,000, which helped pay for Milli's (left) medical costs and accommodation
'Milli's just the most beautiful, calm, courageous girl,' Dr Teo told The West Australian on Sunday.
'She has a very strong will to live.'
Dr Teo said the type of tumour Milli had and its difficult location made the procedure even more precarious for surgeons, but she and her family knew that.
'They (the family) know the risks, they know it's not curative and could reduce her quality of life, but they just aren't ready to give up. It's a very brave decision,' he said.
He said the life-changing procedure would hopefully improve Milli's quality of life and give her more time with her family.
Milli's parents had to crowdfund $160,000 for the surgery - sparking a national debate about controversial surgeon Dr Teo's fees.
Cancer surgeon Professor Henry Woo set off a firestorm last week when he tweeted about Milli's surgery.
'Something is seriously wrong if a terminally ill girl with a brain tumour has to raise $120K to have surgery Dr Charlie Teo has offered to do for $60-80K,' he said.
'If it was valid surgery, it could/should be performed in the public system under Medicare #auspol.'
The surgery was made possible after the GoFundMe campaign, which helped pay for her medical costs and accommodation.
Her older sister Tess, 15, was also diagnosed with brain tumour but she has since been given the all-clear
Milli was diagnosed with an aggressive and malignant brain tumour in January 2016 - the same form of cancer that claimed the life of her seven-year-old cousin in 2007.
Despite undergoing a series of treatments, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy, her brain tumour doubled in size within four months.
Appearing on Today Tonight, her distraught parents claimed doctors in Western Australia had refused to carry out the procedure amid fears of paralysis.
'It's the biggest pain that you could ever imagine with your child,' her mother Monica said as she broke down in tears.
Despite being criticised for accepting crowdfunded money, Dr Teo defended his price, blaming Australia's 'excessive' private health system.
'The difference between [the] public and private cost of medicine needs to be discussed,' Dr Teo said.
Milli (pictured left with her father Grant), along with most of her family, has a rare genetic condition called Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, which predisposes her to a wide range of cancers
'But what you have to remember is that of that $120,000 [charged for surgery] most people think it all goes to me, and that's not the case at all.'
He said while $80,000 goes to the private hospital, the remaining $40,000 was shared between the assistant, anaesthetist, radiologist, radiographer and intensivist.
Ms Smirk, said the decision to allow Milli to go under the knife wasn't easy, but given the circumstances, there had been no other alternatives.
The 12-year-old, along with most of her family, has a rare genetic condition called Li-Fraumeni Syndrome, which predisposes her to a wide range of cancers.
Her older sister Tess, 15, was also diagnosed with brain tumour but she has since been given the all clear.
- Brave Perth girl Milli Lucas enjoys pasta, ice-cream on eve of dangerous brain surgery | The West Australian
- www.gofundme.com...
- Acclaimed brain surgeon Professor Charlie Teo defends prices for his life saving-expertise - ABC News (Australian Broadcasting Corporation)
- ‘She’s awake, talking and smiling’: Marvellous Milli Lucas recovering from life-saving surgery | The West Australian
- Marvellous Milli Lucas thanks everyone for their help after Charlie Teo brain surgery | The West Australian
