Our sporty 11-year-old's ‘growing pains' were the first sign of horrifying diagnosis that's blown our lives apart
HEARTBREAKING Our sporty 11-year-old's 'growing pains' were the first sign of horrifying diagnosis that's blown our lives apart
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window)
Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
ISABELLE Vella's parents were devastated to discover their 11-year-old daughter's 'growing pains' were actually an aggressive form of bone cancer.
'We just couldn't believe it,' her dad, Al Vella, said. 'My wife collapsed at the hospital.'
Sign up for Scottish Sun
newsletter
Sign up
7
Isabelle Vella (pictured) once enjoyed partaking in triathlon events
Credit: Gofundme
7
In April she was diagnosed with osteochondroma, a rare bone cancer
Credit: Gofundme
Before the diagnosis, Isabelle, from Cambridge, was a carefree, adventurous girl who loved triathlons and spending time with friends.
So when she started complaining of leg pain in April, her parents assumed it was just growing pains or a sports injury from training.
But after a GP visit and an X-ray, their world was turned upside down, Isabelle was diagnosed with osteochondroma, a rare bone cancer.
The condition affects up to 35 children a year in the UK and usually begins at the ends of long bones, where new bone grows during childhood.
"The ironic thing is, before the appointment she asked, 'Is it cancer?' and we told her not to be so ridiculous," the dad said.
Isabelle is now in her second round of chemotherapy and faces lifechanging surgery in August.
Doctors will either amputate her leg or try to save it using bone grafts or metal implants.
Despite everything, Isabelle has stayed upbeat.
Just a week after her diagnosis, she sat her Grade 3 drumming exam and passed with Merit.
'She won't be able to do triathlons or contact sports anymore,' said her dad, Al Vella.
Childhood cancer explained
"I have no doubt that she'll find a wheelchair sport in the future, maybe even go towards something like the Paralympics."
Her treatment has been gruelling, leaving her with a feeding tube and frozen ovaries to protect her chances of having children later in life.
"She has a massive zest for life but what has been taken away from her has completely destroyed us," he added/
"We have no option but to carry on and be strong for her.
'Devastating'
Mum Faye Vella said watching her daughter go through treatment has been "totally heartbreaking."
"It was such a shock to see how poorly the chemo made her," she saud,
"It is devastating seeing your lovely child confined to her bed and not even be able to talk because they feel so ill," she added.
With Isabelle's ongoing recovery set to take several years, her devastated parents have now set up a GoFundMe page.
7
The cancer treatments could involve removing the sporty tween's leg
Credit: Gofundme
7
Despite the pain, she still laughs and smiles. her mum Faye Vella, says
Credit: Gofundme
7
'If your child has any aches or pains, don't ignore it,' Isabelle's father, Al Vella, said
Credit: Gofundme
They say it will help contribute towards specialist therapies, possible prosthetics, wheelchairs, equipment and even the high likelihood that they will need to adapt their home.
Faye praised the staff at Addenbrooke's Hospital who have helped them through.
"The staff literally picked me up the floor and looked after us both," she said.
She calls her cancer Voldemort
Faye said she initially "naively" thought the pain was something minor, but now draws her strength from Isabelle.
"She's one of a kind," the mum said. "She's scared, but she knows she has to get through this."
The tween chooses not to use the word cancer, calling it Voldemort, a nod to Harry Potter. instead.
"Despite the pain she's in, she is just so joyful and happy and manages to laugh and smile at things," Faye said..
Al, who had never heard of osteochondroma before Isabelle's diagnosis, is urging parents to trust their instincts if something feels wrong with their child.
"My advice to others would be if you have any concerns, get it seen to," he said.
"Any aches or pains with your kids, you just never know what it really could be.
"Keep pursuing, if you think something could be wrong, don't give up in getting an answer.
"We never could have imagined this could have been the outcome and are so glad we got it checked when we did'".
7
The family are raising money to contribute towards specialist therapies
Credit: Gofundme
7
Isabelle chooses not to use the word cancer, calling it Voldemort instead.
Credit: Gofundme
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I lost 3st in just 6 months on Mounjaro – but the best bit is a rampant side-effect I wasn't expecting
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN who lost nearly 3 stone in just six months on Mounjaro says weight loss wasn't the only benefit - as she made the most of a "sexy" side effect. Jackie Collins, 44, was a size 18 at her heaviest and decided to try a weight loss job after being caught in a "vicious circle" of dieting and binge eating. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 8 Jackie Collins, 44, decided to try Mounjaro after being caught in a cycle of dieting and bingeing Credit: SWNS 8 Jackie weighed 17st 11lbs but saw the pounds drop off her every week Credit: SWNS 8 Now 14st, Jackie has benefited from an unexpected side effect from her weight loss Credit: SWNS After a friend suggested she try Mounjaro, within weeks Jackie began to notice her hunger reducing. She went from eating bags of crisps, chocolate and big portions of creamy pasta to fruit, salads and protein rich meals. Since starting Mounjaro in February on a 2.5mg dosage, Jackie has moved up through the doses, dropping from 17st 11lbs to 15st exactly and fitting into a size 14. She now plans to incorporate some exercise into her new lifestyle after purchasing a bike. But Jackie has had an unexpected side effect from Mounjaro. Jackie says the jabs have reignited the "passion" in her sex life with her partner, Carl, 44. The couple have gone from being having sex a couple of times a month to four times a week. Jackie, who works for a shop fitting company from Southampton, Hampshire, said: "Before, the times we were intimate were few and far between - I didn't feel sexy, so how could he find me sexy? "It never happened. I always said it was never him; it was me. "But since I've started getting that confidence back, the passion's come back. Towie star Saffron Lempriere reveals how she lost 12 pounds in 4 weeks - without fat jabs "We've gone from a couple of times a month to three or four times a week. "We're like kids again, which is great." Jackie knew she needed to make a change after finding that diets and walks weren't helping. She said: "I'd been struggling to lose weight for so long. 8 Jackie wasn't able to wear this red dress without the buttons popping open but now she feels 'amazing' in it Credit: SWNS 8 She and her partner Carl have gone from having sex a couple of times a month to four times a week Credit: SWNS 8 Mounjaro has left Jackie feeling confident and sexy Credit: SWNS "Diets would spark out and I'd comfort eat and binge eat again - it was a vicious circle. "Last October, I did a charity walk for motor neurone disease. "When I walk, I march and I did the 75 miles in 3 weeks and I lost 2lbs - that was it. "I thought something wasn't right. Jackie's diet before and after her weight loss Jackie has found it easier to eat healthily since starting on Mounjaro. Her diet before consisted of: Breakfast: Nothing Lunch: Sandwich, packet of crips and a chocolate bar, snack on sweets Dinner: Big bowl of creamy pasta, big bags of crips Since starting on the jabs, this is what she's eaten: Breakfast: Bran flakes, with banana or other fruit Lunch: Tuna salad Dinner: Couple of pork steaks with sweetcorn and jacket potato "Mounjaro came up and I was told to try it by a friend. "So I did, and it's been brilliant. "The weight's been coming a few lbs every week - I can see so much difference and in my clothes. "I started off on 2.5mg and I would find the day after the jab I was a bit tired initially, but that was it. "The hunger wasn't there - I was very food orientated, and I'd have it on my mind all the time and a few weeks after I started it, that's when I really noticed that my hunger wasn't there. "You think you're hungry, you go to eat and you're not. "I'm now eating correctly, have lots of protein and more water. "Now my body is getting used to it, I fancy meals, but I don't eat as much. "I was plating up a roast dinner for everyone yesterday, but I hardly put anything on my plate, and I don't have to think about it." Jackie says her new look has given her confidence - allowing her to" feel and look good." She said: "I've got so much more confidence. "A while ago I bought a red dress and when I wore it all the buttons were popping. "I went and saw Craig David and now I was able to wear the dress and I felt amazing. "I felt and looked good." 8 Jackie before her weight loss Credit: SWNS 8 Jackie said she and Carl are 'like kids again' Credit: SWNS
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
I've gone from a size 18 to an 8 in 9 months on Mounjaro & still losing weight, I was sick for weeks but it was worth it
Read on for more warnings on using Mounjaro WEIGH TO GO! I've gone from a size 18 to an 8 in 9 months on Mounjaro & still losing weight, I was sick for weeks but it was worth it Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN who has managed to shift over six stone thanks to Mounjaro has shared the side effects she suffered. Sophie Barrella took to social media to share her incredible transformation, and people were stunned by the results. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Sophie Barrella started taking the weight loss jab nine months ago Credit: Facebook 2 Depsite having side effects, she said it was so worth it for the weight loss Credit: Facebook The mum said she started her weight loss journey nine months ago and had already shed 6.5 stone. She started her journey at 15.7st and a size 18, and in less than a year has gone down to a size 8. In the image, the mum could be seen with her partner and child before losing weight. She wore a one-sleeve dress and was turned to the side and looked obviously larger. But now, in the pictures of her weight loss, the mum wore a tight fitting pink dress to show off her new body and beamed at the camera. She captioned the post: "9 months later and I'm down 6 and a half stone! "Finished June 2025 at current 9 stone 3 and still loosing! Size 8. "Worth every penny and side effect I suffered!!" In the comments of the Facebook post, Sophie shared just some of the side effects she suffered from. She wrote: "I found I had headaches from 5mg, then the nausea crept in. Then from 7.5 and 10mg I have had constant grumbling in my stomach, so badly it wakes me up every single night for the next 4 days after injecting and I would have sickness 3-4 times a night. I've lost nearly 6 stone in 9 months on fat jabs - trolls call me 'lazy' & say it's the 'easy way out' but I don't care "Could only sleep on my back because when I was on my side the gas in my stomach would gurgle so loudly and caused me a lot of pain, but again, only 4 days after injecting! Then I would be okay until jab day. "Was honestly worth it all. If you're thinking about it, just go for it! Will change your life." The post was shared on the Facebook group, Mounjaro Ozempic Wegovy weight loss support, where those on the weight loss jabs come together to support each other. Many were quick to congratulate Sophie on her weight loss. One person wrote: "How have you not managed to have excess skin. You look amazing." Another commented: "Well done!" "Well done fantastic achievement," penned a third. What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do: Evaluate Your Caloric Intake Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try: Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help). Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight). Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy. Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval) If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may: Pause dose increases or lower your dosage. Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss. Strength Training & Exercise To prevent muscle loss: Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week. Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga. Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst). Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued. Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience: Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Consider Further Medical Guidance If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider. They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss. Meanwhile a fourth said: "You look stunning!" "You look amazing,' claimed a fifth Someone else added: "Gorgeous!"
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
Urgent warning over fatal lung disease spread through contaminated water in taps, showers, hosepipes and hot tubs
The infection spreads when people breathe in tiny droplets of contaminated water WATER THREAT Urgent warning over fatal lung disease spread through contaminated water in taps, showers, hosepipes and hot tubs Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) BRITS are being urged to take precautions against a potentially deadly lung infection that spreads more during the summer months. Legionnaires' disease is caused by bacteria found in water supplies that haven't been used much, such as taps, showers, hosepipes, and hot tubs. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Legionella bacteria can lurk in stagnant water in hosepipes Credit: Getty 4 Taps that haven't been used in a while can harbour the bacteria Credit: Getty 4 The bug attacks the lungs, causing inflammation and severe pneumonia Credit: Getty 'This is because warm, stagnant water is the perfect breeding ground for Legionella bacteria,' Professor Franklin Joseph, a consultant physician, told Sun Health. 'And unfortunately, that's exactly what happens in summer," he added. He said: 'Air conditioning units, garden hoses, sprinkler systems, and even hotel showers that haven't been used for a while can all pose a risk when temperatures rise.' In the UK, there are around 300 to 500 reported cases each year, with about half linked to travel abroad, according to uRisk Safety Services, a water testing company. Last month, Donna Jobling, 57, was left in a coma, fighting for her life after catching the bug while on an all-inclusive holiday in Greece. The infection spreads when people breathe in tiny droplets of contaminated water. 'That could be from a misting fan, a spa pool, or an air-con system that hasn't been cleaned properly," Dr Frank, who is also head of Dr Frank's Clinic, said. It's often linked to hotels, gyms and even office buildings,' he added. You can't catch Legionnaires' disease by drinking infected water or from another person. Once the bacteria is inhaled, it can take up to 10 days for symptoms to appear, and they often resemble a bad case of flu at first. Dad-of-two placed into coma after Turkey holiday as chef, 55, 'caught rare disease from dirty 4-star hotel' After a couple of days, these symptoms progress to pneumonia, a dangerous lung infection. "The bacteria inflame the lungs, making it hard to breathe and get enough oxygen into the body," Dr Frank explained. "In vulnerable people. like the elderly, smokers or those with weak immune systems, it can trigger respiratory failure, sepsis and even death if not caught in time," he added. "Even healthy people can become dangerously ill if treatment is delayed.' In the US — which collects extensive data on Legionnaires' disease — over 95 per cent of diagnosed cases in 2014 and 2015 resulted in hospitalisation, according to the US Centre for Disease Control (CDC). And while the disease is treatable with antibiotics, about one in eight died from their infection, the health body said. The best way to prevent illness this summer is to keep water systems clean with regular flushing, especially after they've been unused for a while. "If you've been away, run taps and showers for a few minutes before using them," Dr Frank said. "Clean out air-con filters and garden hoses, and avoid using misting fans or hot tubs in places that look poorly maintained. "If something smells musty or 'off', trust your instincts and steer clear. "Prevention is always better than cure with Legionnaires." 4 Hot tubs are a common source of Legionnaires' disease if not properly cleaned and maintained Credit: Getty
