Health scare for brave Carlow cancer survivor Shan Tynan (20) as she undergoes tests in Houston hospital

The family of brave Carlow native and cancer survivor Shan Tynan has said that she is undergoing tests this week after doctors in Houston raised concerns over her health due to 'ongoing issues'.

After being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Histiocytosis X in 2015, 20-year-old Shan moved with her family from their home in Carlow to Houston, Texas so she could receive specialist treatment and several months ago she was declared cancer free.

Her mother Leona is originally from Newbridge and Kildare locals rallied to help the family raise €700,000 for Shan’s pioneering medical treatment in the US last year.

Last October Shan proudly rang the ceremonial bell at the Texas Children’s Hospital declaring that she was at last cancer free and she described it as ‘an amazing moment’ following a difficult battle with the illness.

However, according to the Team Shan Tynan page, on Friday one of Shan’s doctors Dr Mc Clain became concerned over her health in recent days and she was sent for further bloodwork, x-rays and scans.

"Unfortunately something has shown up on Shan’s lungs that wasn’t there at her last scans, it is some type of lung disease but until the pulmonologist goes through all her imaging and symptoms and speaks to us we don’t know what exactly we are dealing with. We are very thankful that it isn’t Histio or any type of cancer which was obviously our biggest fear. Following this scan we also needed to see Shan’s GI doctor and given her symptoms there are concerns about what is going on in her stomach and colon area," said a statement on the page.

It is understood that Shan underwent surgery on Tuesday February 26 to investigate her symptoms further and she may also have to get a brain MRI and a gastric empty test on Friday.

The family were due to return home to Carlow this week but they are now saying that they hope to travel next week when Shan’s condition improves. They said that while they don't have all the answers yet Shan is in the care of the dedicated team at Texas Children's Hospital and that they are 'doing everything possible to make sure we go home with a clear picture of what is going on and how we can move forward.'

"It’s not what we expected but it’s nowhere close to what we have had to deal with in the past. Unfortunately we won’t be home as planned this week but our hope is that we will be good to travel next week and Shan's doctors in St. Vincent’s will continue with whatever plan is put in place and Dr. Mc. Clain will continue to guide them in caring for Shan. Thank you all for your messages and support and please keep Shan and our family in your thoughts over the coming days," said the family.

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