The Dundass family of Alexandra have almost finished their seven-week specialised radiation treatment for daughter Mazie (2) in Atlanta, but it has been a tough ride.

Mazie is fighting a rare and aggressive form of brain cancer, Ependymoma, and her mother Haley said she was coping reasonably well to the treatment.

She spends several hours every morning at the radiation centre across the road from where they are staying, five days a week, “and she’s still happy to go over every day without a fuss.”

Mazie had a rough start with no appetite and all her taste buds had changed, but that was now under control, Haley said.

“Fatigue has now kicked in and she has lost all her hair on the left-hand side of her head where the radiation is directed.”

Five weeks into the treatment with just two and a half weeks to go, the three older children recently joined Haley and Todd in Atlanta so they could be together as a family, and make strong memories with their youngest daughter.

“A big worry for us was coming over to the other side of the world and having to deal with all new medical staff, but the care here has been absolutely amazing, we are so well looked after which makes this difficult time so much easier. 

“We don't know if it's working or not, unfortunately we won't know this until it does or does not return in her life. Having radiation actually now puts Mazie at more risk of not only having her brain cancer come back, but a high chance of getting another two cancers through her lifetime.” 

The start of their journey to Atlanta also wasn’t great, with new scans on arrival finding another tumour, “and unfortunately best case for Mazie to beat this is with no tumours present before radiation starts.”

Other parents staying at the apartments, run by an organisation called ‘Christophers Haven,’ for families of those having treatment, have been offering each other support as they each negotiate their children’s health struggles.

“It’s amazing, truly lucky to be staying here and we’ve met some lovely families going through the same heartache.”

Haley said the biggest day to day challenges throughout the whole journey was keeping up with everyday life and with their other children.

“Life doesn't get put on hold while you navigate this process - it just carries on, and you have to keep going. Our life will now consist of constantly making memories with our little girl as we have no idea what is around the corner.”

The treatment doesn’t stop for Mazie when she returns, either. 

Mazie (third, from left) with her siblings (from left), Hunter, Brydhi and Piper. PHOTO: Supplied

She will continue to have multiple appointments and scans for the rest of her life.

Haley said it was a strange feeling being that far away from home, and particularly in an American city not one most people would choose to visit as a holiday destination.

“It’s very scary to be honest. Homeless people everywhere that constantly come up to you and follow you asking for money, people walking around carrying guns and knives and crime everywhere, you see it all day, every day.”

But, the Dundass family have found ways to enjoy what little time they can spare their family in between Mazie’s treatment, including taking the kids for a trip to the zoo and aquarium.