Jemma Smith’s son Freddie was diagnosed with a germ cell tumour in September 2017. She tells us about the support they received and offers advice to other families after a cancer diagnosis.
Our little boy Freddie was born a healthy, happy baby boy, but when he reached his second birthday, things started to change. Freddie was checked out a few times, but each time it was put down to general childhood ailments, such as constipation. He then developed a limp and our local hospital referred Freddie for an MRI scan at Birmingham Children’s Hospital.
Following the scan, it came as a crushing, heart-breaking shock to find out that Freddie had a 10cm tumour on the base of his spine, which had spread to his liver and bones. He was diagnosed with a stage 4 germ cell tumour and the following morning, his central line was inserted and chemotherapy began. It all happened so fast but, as frightened as we were, we were just so grateful for how quickly everyone at the hospital was acting. We were also hugely appreciative for the compassion and care that Freddie’s medical team were providing, to both him and us as a family.
After six rounds of chemotherapy, Freddie needed surgery to remove the remaining tumour and take away his coccyx and several lymph nodes. He recovered quite quickly and was back home within four days. That same month, Freddie rang the end of treatment bell, something we had aimed for during those long, dark days of Freddie’s treatment.
Keep looking to the next step and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small.
Unfortunately, eight months after finishing treatment in January 2019, when he was three-and-a-half years old, Freddie relapsed to his lungs. This came as another huge blow. He went back into treatment and was given a harsher chemotherapy programme to follow. This was extremely tough on Freddie's body, and we felt so helpless. Thankfully, we were supported by the hospital, friends and family, who helped us through to the end of Freddie’s treatment, when once again he rang the bell with pride.
Freddie is now aged seven-and-a-half and is three years on from his treatment. Unfortunately, due to where the tumour was situated on the spine, he has suffered from nerve damage. His mobility has been affected and he suffers with pain and needs daily medication. However, he’s determined to live life to the max and doesn’t let much get in his way. He enjoys school, swimming lessons, going to friend’s houses for tea - just ‘normal’ things that all children should experience. We don’t take these things for granted anymore, but instead, they’re all seen as a milestone in our house.
My advice to any family suffering a cancer diagnosis is to dig deep, keep looking to the next step and celebrate every achievement, no matter how small. Also take the help and support you are offered from loved ones - they may also feel helpless and want to help you in any way they can. And lastly, remember to hold on to hope.
From Contact magazine issue 98 - Spring 2023
