Five-year-old Kaiden Williams, who is receiving cancer treatment in India, could be home in Guyana for Christmas after undergoing more than 15 hours of surgery to remove a tumour.

Saving Hands Emergency Aid (SHEA) said on Friday that Kaiden is out of intensive care and recovering in a private hospital room with his father, Kevin. He no longer needs machines to help him breathe or support other vital functions.

Kaiden travelled to India in July for specialised care at the National Cancer Institute in Nagpur after he was diagnosed with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare and aggressive cancer. SHEA and the Kids First Fund helped arrange his transfer and raise funds for his care.

SHEA said the tumour continued to grow despite treatment, damaging bones in Kaiden’s face and extending into his mouth. He lost his left eye as the tumour pressed against it. Surgeons at Tata Memorial Hospital removed the entire mass and reconstructed his face during the operation.

Doctors are due to assess Kaiden on Monday, November 9, to determine whether he needs more chemotherapy, radiation or further facial surgery. SHEA said early indications suggest he may be able to avoid additional chemotherapy or radiation.

If doctors determine that he needs no further treatment or surgery and his recovery continues to go well, Kaiden could return to Guyana in time for Christmas.