Latest news with #LymphomaAction
Irish Daily Mirror
a day ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dad's warning after son's wobbly tooth and swollen jaw led to cancer diagnosis
The parent of a seven-year-old boy whose wobbly tooth turned out to be jaw cancer has asked parents to "listen to your child" and "remain positive" for them. James Kreyling, 40, and his wife Charlotte, 47, from Hadleigh, Essex, took their seven-year-old son Freddie to the dentist in May after he complained about a "wobbly tooth" and some swelling. After a month of tests and antibiotics, during which time his jaw "swelled like a tennis ball", Freddie was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma – an aggressive but treatable blood cancer. Freddie, a sporty boy who enjoys rugby, tennis and the Chinese martial art Wing Chun, has been responding well to chemotherapy treatment and his parents hope he will be "fighting fit" by autumn. James praised the "amazing" support of his colleagues in the East of England Ambulance Service, who are organising a charity skydive for Great Ormond Street Hospital in Freddie's honour. Freddie has been responding well to chemotherapy treatment (Image: Collect/PA Real Life) "You hear about the hospital, but until you or one of your family has actually been treated there, you don't realise how special it is," James told PA Real Life. "It's like a big community; everyone's just so supportive. I can't thank them enough." Charlotte added: "Listen to your gut and advocate fiercely for your child, even when it's uncomfortable. "Once things start moving, hold on to hope – children are stronger than you think, and you are too." When Freddie first complained about a wobbly tooth in early May, his parents thought it was "a little bit peculiar" because the culprit was an adult tooth at the back of his mouth. The next morning, they noticed swelling inside his mouth and immediately took him to the dentist, who X-rayed his teeth and prescribed antibiotics. Freddie has just finished his second round of chemotherapy (Image: Collect/PA Real Life) When things did not improve, James took Freddie back to the dentist, who said his mouth was "very abnormal". They were told to go to Broomfield Hospital, where they were given stronger antibiotics and eventually a biopsy was taken. "They removed his adult tooth because there was a risk of him swallowing it and suffocating," James said. After the biopsy results, Freddie was referred to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where he was eventually diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma. According to Lymphoma Action, Burkitt lymphoma is a rare and aggressive form of blood cancer that affects around 250 people a year in the UK. Most children who are treated for Burkitt lymphoma go on to make a full recovery. It is characterised by lumps growing on your body, caused by swollen lymph nodes. "Over the month or so between seeing the first dentist and actually being diagnosed, the right side of his face swelled like a tennis ball," James recalled. "It was like a hamster's cheek. "Nothing helped bring that swelling down, which we now know was the tumour." James said Freddie did not find the lump on his jaw particularly painful. "It was a bit uncomfortable if you pressed, and he was having to eat on the other side of his mouth because he couldn't chew," he added. Freddie started the first of four rounds of chemotherapy treatment the day after his diagnosis, with a consultant reassuring James they had caught the cancer "early-ish". "In my mind, I took that as a positive," James said. Now halfway through his treatment, James said the tumour has reduced in size by around 60 per cent. He added: "The first round was tough because he developed mouth ulcers. "It's painful and obviously it limited his eating and drinking. "He's had a feeding tube inserted, so if he's not able to eat or he hasn't gotten up to his suggested daily intake, then we can just top him up with that." Freddie is normally "full of beans" and enjoys playing rugby, tennis and golf. "He loves playing rugby, so hopefully moving forward we might be able to get him back on the rugby pitch," James said. Freddie has been learning the Chinese martial art Wing Chun (Image: Collect/PA Real Life) Before his diagnosis, he was also learning the Chinese martial art Wing Chun and attending weekly Beaver Scouts sessions. He added: "He's missing his friends, but obviously that's where technology comes in. "He's got his iPad so he can play with his brothers and sisters and his school friends." James praised Great Ormond Street Hospital for the activities they run to keep the children entertained, saying Freddie "would've gone stir crazy" without the in-hospital school, radio station, and play specialists who have been "worth (their) weight in gold". He also thanked the charities Gold Geese, Cyclists Fighting Cancer and Young Lives vs Cancer for their support. Some of James and Charlotte's colleagues in the ambulance service are undertaking a 10,000ft charity skydive over the summer, which they have dedicated to Freddie. James said: "They didn't have an actual charity to donate towards, so my colleague asked, 'Would you be happy if we did it for Freddie?' "My wife and I agreed that we wanted all the money to go to Great Ormond Street." Freddie's jaw swelled up 'like a hamster's cheek' (Image: Collect/PA Real Life) The fundraiser has now reached over £5,000 (€5,900). "My wife worked for the ambulance service for 17 years, and at the end of September I'll have done my 17th year," James said. "We're never going to be able to repay our friends and family for the amount of love and support that they've shown us." James advised parents going through similar ordeals that they "have just got to remain positive for the child" because they "respond off positivity". "You fear the worst because you hear that cancer word," he explained. "It's quite upsetting because it's your child; your flesh and blood. "But you just have to always have a goal – don't look too far forward. "We use reward charts to make sure he gets through each day." Whenever Freddie is polite to nurses, drinks enough water or takes his medication, he earns points towards a reward like a cuddly toy or a trip to the cinema. James said: "It's so he can have something to look forward to that keeps his spirits up. "Keeping him positive is half the battle, really." The fundraiser for the charity skydive in Freddie's honour can be found here. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'Our son had a wobbly tooth before aggressive disease diagnosis - listen to your child'
Freddie Kreyling, seven, was diagnosed after having a 'peculiar' wobbly tooth The parents of a seven-year-old boy whose loose tooth turned out to be jaw cancer have urged other mums and dads to "listen to your child" and maintain a "remain positive" outlook for their sake. James Kreyling, 40, alongside his wife Charlotte, 47, initially took their son Freddie to the dentist in May due to complaints about a "wobbly tooth" and some swelling. Following a series of tests and a course of antibiotics, which saw Freddie's jaw swell "swelled like a tennis ball", he was diagnosed with Burkitt lymphoma – an aggressive but treatable form of blood cancer. Freddie, who is passionate about rugby, tennis, and Wing Chun, has been making good progress with chemotherapy treatments, and his parents are hopeful he'll be back to full health by the autumn. James has lauded the "amazing" support from his East of England Ambulance Service colleagues, who are planning a charity skydive to benefit Great Ormond Street Hospital in recognition of Freddie's bravery. "You hear about the hospital, but until you or one of your family has actually been treated there, you don't realise how special it is," James said. "It's like a big community; everyone's just so supportive. I can't thank them enough." Charlotte added: "Listen to your gut and advocate fiercely for your child, even when it's uncomfortable. Once things start moving, hold on to hope – children are stronger than you think, and you are too." When young Freddie, from Hadleigh, Essex, started fussing over a wobbly tooth in early May, his parents thought it was "a little bit peculiar" especially since it was an adult tooth at the back of his mouth. The following day, they spotted swelling inside his mouth and wasted no time in getting him to the dentist, who after an X-ray, prescribed antibiotics. However, when Freddie's condition failed to improve, James took him back to the dentist, who described his mouth as "very abnormal". They were then directed to Broomfield Hospital for stronger antibiotics and eventually, a biopsy was conducted. "They removed his adult tooth because there was a risk of him swallowing it and suffocating," James explained. Post-biopsy, Freddie was sent to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, where he received a diagnosis of Burkitt lymphoma. Lymphoma Action notes that Burkitt lymphoma is a rare yet aggressive type of blood cancer, affecting about 250 individuals annually in the UK. Fortunately, most children treated for Burkitt lymphoma are expected to recover fully. It typically presents with lumps on the body due to swollen lymph nodes. James vividly remembered the weeks leading up to the diagnosis: "Over the month or so between seeing the first dentist and actually being diagnosed, the right side of his face swelled like a tennis ball," he said. "It was like a hamster's cheek. Nothing helped bring that swelling down, which we now know was the tumour." James revealed that Freddie hadn't experienced significant pain from the lump on his jaw. "It was a bit uncomfortable if you pressed, and he was having to eat on the other side of his mouth because he couldn't chew," he explained. The day following his diagnosis, Freddie began the first of four chemotherapy cycles, with a consultant providing reassurance to James that they had detected the cancer "early-ish". "In my mind, I took that as a positive," James said. Now at the midpoint of his treatment programme, James reported that the tumour has shrunk by approximately 60%. He continued: "The first round was tough because he developed mouth ulcers. It's painful and obviously it limited his eating and drinking. He's had a feeding tube inserted, so if he's not able to eat or he hasn't gotten up to his suggested daily intake, then we can just top him up with that." Typically, Freddie is "full of beans" and takes pleasure in rugby, tennis and golf. "He loves playing rugby, so hopefully moving forward we might be able to get him back on the rugby pitch," James said. Prior to his diagnosis, he had also been studying the Chinese martial art Wing Chun and regularly attending Beaver Scouts meetings. He added: "He's missing his friends, but obviously that's where technology comes in. He's got his iPad so he can play with his brothers and sisters and his school friends." James lauded Great Ormond Street Hospital for their efforts to keep young patients like his son Freddie engaged, admitting that without the in-hospital school, radio station, and play specialists, who have been "worth (their) weight in gold", Freddie "would've gone stir crazy". He also expressed gratitude towards charities Gold Geese, Cyclists Fighting Cancer and Young Lives vs Cancer for their invaluable support. Colleagues from the ambulance service are set to do a 10,000ft charity skydive over the summer in honour of Freddie. James said: "They didn't have an actual charity to donate towards, so my colleague asked, 'Would you be happy if we did it for Freddie?' My wife and I agreed that we wanted all the money to go to Great Ormond Street." The fundraising effort has impressively surpassed £5,000. James reflected on his and his wife's long service in the ambulance sector, saying: "My wife worked for the ambulance service for 17 years, and at the end of September I'll have done my 17th year," and acknowledged that they could never fully repay the overwhelming love and support from friends and family. Offering advice to other parents facing similar challenges, James emphasised the importance of staying positive for the sake of the child, as they "respond off positivity". He opened up about the fear that comes with the diagnosis: "You fear the worst because you hear that cancer word," and described how distressing it is when it's your own child. Despite the fears, he advised maintaining focus on immediate goals rather than looking too far ahead, using reward charts to help Freddie take each day at a time. Whenever Freddie shows politeness to nurses, stays hydrated, or takes his medication on time, he racks up points that go towards treats such as a plush toy or a cinema outing. James said: "It's so he can have something to look forward to that keeps his spirits up. Keeping him positive is half the battle, really." Supporters can contribute to the charity skydive in honour of Freddie by visiting the GoFundMe page set up for the cause.
Metro
22-06-2025
- Health
- Metro
I had no idea my itchy skin meant I had a deadly disease
For around a year, my skin was so itchy I would scratch it until I bled – even then, I never managed to satisfy the feeling, and it would often keep me awake at night. It never crossed my mind that it could be a symptom of a life-threatening illness. At the same time, I was feeling tired, losing weight, sweating at night, and always coming down with a cold or flu. It was only when I found a lump on my neck that I thought it might be something serious. I often couldn't take a full breath in – this was because a tumour in my chest was about 30 centimetres – but I'd just assumed that it was probably down to something like glandular fever. Consultants usually tell patients their diagnoses in person, so when the doctor said over the phone in September 2018, 'You've got cancer', it was clear time wasn't on our side. 'It's stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma in the neck, lung, chest and under the diaphragm. If you'd come to us about a week later, we wouldn't have been able to do anything for you,' he added. The diagnosis left me dumbstruck, like I'd been hit with a freight train. How did this happen? I was only 26. After I put the phone down to my doctor, I said to my mum and dad, 'Can you take me to the hospital because I've got cancer?' It was completely unexpected for them, but we didn't have the space to think about it; I just had to get started on treatment. 24 hours later, I began chemotherapy. I was able to stay surprisingly positive during the six months of treatment and tried to have a lot of fun. I'd fundraise, have chemo parties, and whenever I went out, I was always silly about being bald. When I finally got the all-clear a few months later, I couldn't wait to enjoy my life again. 'Skin irritations and problems such as dry, sore and itchy skin can be a symptom of lymphoma,' the Lymphoma Action charity explains. 'Scientists think that itching as a symptom of lymphoma might develop because of cytokines. These are proteins released by your immune system when your body is fighting an infection or an illness, like lymphoma. It's thought that cytokines cause itching by irritating the nerves in your skin. 'Skin problems often start to go away once treatment for lymphoma starts.' Itchy skin is not always a sign of anything serious. You can often treat it yourself, and it will usually go away after a few weeks, but see a GP if you're worried or the problem persists. My parents and I were so confident I would be fine when I went for a routine check-up scan in June 2019 that we dressed up nicely for a celebratory lunch afterwards. Then the doctor told me: 'I'm afraid it's back.' It was shocking news, but we kept our restaurant reservation as I'd already learnt that you must enjoy life whenever you can. I knew I might not be well enough to go out soon. I enjoyed a few drinks and saw Jude Law, so that was fun! The severity of my new cancer meant I needed a stem cell transplant, which replaces damaged or diseased blood-forming cells with healthy ones. When I had it in October 2019, I couldn't leave the hospital – even to go outside – for nearly five weeks. I was also more unwell and didn't have any energy to make it a fun experience, like last time. When it came to shaving my head again, I remember my mum's tearful face in the corner of the bathroom, and snapping at her because I didn't want to see or feel any emotion. In some ways, my illness was even harder for my parents. Some days, I was in so much pain it felt like there were little shards of glass floating around my body, and all they could do was sit and watch. Their lives were put on hold every day, not knowing if their daughter would make it. Three months after my stem cell transplant, I had a scan which showed the cancer had gone. My procedure meant that my chances of having kids became around 0.1%, but I had no choice – what's the point in being fertile if I wasn't going to be alive? However, when I started feeling better, reality hit. I always wanted to be a mum, and began grieving for the kids I'll never get to have. The transplant also put me through menopause at just 29, which was tough as the doctors didn't explain it to me, and I didn't realise what was happening. At first, I thought I was having a mental breakdown. My emotions were all over the place, my anxiety was crazy, and I was so low. I was also suffering from night sweats, sore joints and brain fog. Once I put my iron in the fridge. I was lucky to have a therapist who helped me through these life changes and eventually made the connection for me. I was put back on the pill for oestrogen, but it was suggested I come off because I had strokes. The pill can lead to an increased risk of blood clots and further strokes. So now, age 32, I've been hit by another wave of menopause symptoms, which can be difficult because none of my friends are at this stage and, as lovely and supportive as they are, they don't entirely understand it. A few months after the stem cell transplant, I went back to my job as an executive assistant at a recruitment company. They'd been so brilliant with me while I was ill, but in the end, I left so I could concentrate on my social media. I'd used it as a way to let people know how I was getting on with the diagnosis and treatment, but I also wanted to share my experience in case it could help someone else feel less alone. I hadn't known anyone my age who had been sick, so I had no one I could ask about little things, such as how to tie a headscarf or protect my nails in chemo, or talk about the big stuff, like fears. I wanted to change that and now I have nearly 100k followers and the most wonderful community who are all kind, empowering, encouraging and understanding. It's also spurred me to start my own business, Life's for Living, a travel company that takes women on adventure trips. Everyone's there for a reason, whether they've had a health issue, they're going through a divorce, they've struggled mentally, or they've been feeling insecure in their bodies. It's so incredible to bring everyone together. We bond, and it becomes beautiful. Having cancer means time feels like a precious thing, and now I want to do as much as I can. But my mum reminds me I can say 'no' sometimes. For a while, I'd give a panicked yes to everything and get burned out. It sounds cheesy, but I've realised that saying yes isn't just for the big things. I used to only light candles for nice occasions, but now I light them whenever I want. It's not feasible to have some big bucket list trip every day, so I try to remind people it's about the little things too. Last year, I had a party to raise money for The Royal Marsden Hospital and celebrate being five years cancer-free. More Trending What most people didn't know was that I was still waiting to find out if it had come back, after an inconclusive scan. I felt as if I was cheating by celebrating, so I've never felt such relief when I got the all clear. I never like to thank cancer for stuff, because I don't think it deserves the credit, but I also know that without it, I wouldn't be who I am now. You can follow Georgie Swallow on Instagram here. As told to Josie Copson Hodgkin lymphoma is an uncommon cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body. It can develop at any age, but it mostly affects people aged between 20-40 and those over 75. Around 2,100 people are diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in the UK each year. The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin. Around 8 out of 10 people with Hodgkin lymphoma live at least 5 years, and most of these will be cured. However, there's a risk of long-term problems after treatment, including infertility and an increased risk of developing another type of cancer in the future. Information taken from the NHS website Do you have a story you'd like to share? Get in touch by emailing Share your views in the comments below. View More » MORE: Meet Britain's Doomsday preppers stockpiling for World War Three MORE: I attended the UK's biggest true crime convention — it wasn't what I expected MORE: 'I'd rather they killed us' How rape became a weapon in war Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Daily Mail
23-04-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Millions on common heart drug have 60% lower risk of dying from lethal cancer, study suggests
Cholesterol-lowering pills used by millions of adults may slash the risk of developing a common type of blood cancer, research today suggested. Statins are Britain's most prescribed medicines, with more than 70 million packs dispensed annually. Now, scientists in the United Arab Emirates, who tracked more than 1,000 patients with the disease, found those taking the drug were almost two thirds less likely to die from their cancer than those who weren't. Experts, labelled the findings 'very promising' but cautioned they do not yet prove that statins can 'directly improve cancer outcomes'. It follows previous research that has suggested taking the medicines may lower the risk of developing up to 20 other types of cancer, including breast, liver, stomach and even bowel. Dr Ahmad Abuhelwa, an assistant professor of pharmacotherapeutics at the University of Sharjah, said: 'Our results highlight a strong link between statin use and improved survival. 'These findings don't allow us to say for certain that statins directly improve cancer outcomes. 'However, the fact that this association remained strong even after accounting for multiple factors makes it an important area for future research.' In the study, researchers assessed statin use on patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) or small lymphocytic lymphoma (SLL). Often referred to as the same cancer, both cause white blood cells to develop abnormally, breaking down the body's ability to fight infection. CLL and SLL are rarely cured completely. Instead, patients live with the cancer, undergoing treatment to control it for as long as possible. Because the disease develops slowly, doctors have to wait until there is enough cancer in the blood to warrant aggressive treatment. While patients can be declared cancer-free after chemo, the disease can return, requiring further rounds. Roughly 80 per cent of patients survive five years or more with the disease. But according to Lymphoma Action, around 4,500 people are diagnosed with CLL or SLL every year in the UK — more than 12 people each day. It affects nearly twice as many men as women. In the study, the scientists tracked 1,467 patients with CLL or SLL, who were aged 65 on average. Patients were randomly assigned newer cancer therapy drug ibrutinib, either alone or in combination with other anti-cancer drugs. A third group was put on a drug regimen that did not include ibrutinib. Around a third of patients were taking a statin at the time they started treatment. Over a follow-up of roughly five years the researchers found those on statins had a 61 per cent lower risk of dying from their cancer compared to those who were not. Writing in the journal Blood Advances, they also found patients on the drug had a 38 per cent reduced risk of death from any cause and a 26 per cent reduced risk of disease progression. The scientists, however, acknowledged the study was merely observational and could not prove why statins may reduce the risk. The paper also had some 'limitations', they said, including the fact patients use statins at different doses. 'The study could not determine the effects of specific statin types, doses, or duration of use on patients' survival,' they added. Dr Abuhelwa also said: 'While our results are very promising, we can't recommend starting statins for CLL or SLL treatment based on this study alone. 'Future clinical trials are needed to determine definitively whether statins have a direct benefit on cancer survival.' Since the drugs first won approval in 1987, global sales of statins have exceeded £765 billion. The drugs were designed to protect people at high risk of dying from cardiovascular disease. Here, they work by limiting the production of 'bad' low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, which can harden or narrow arteries. They were developed originally for the secondary prevention of heart attacks or strokes — that is, reducing the risk of future events in patients who have already suffered one. Now they are increasingly used for primary prevention — in people who haven't had a heart attack or stroke, but are deemed to be at risk.
BBC News
02-03-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Peterborough cancer survivor thanks charity with marathon run
A cancer survivor has signed up for this year's London Marathon in aid of the charity that supported her 2020, Clare Ford was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma after finding a lump in her 55-year-old, who works at the North West Anglia NHS Foundation Trust (NWAFT) which runs Peterborough City Hospital, is now in remission and described her treatment as a "tough time".Since her diagnosis, husband Brendan Ford and son Michael Ford have raised £11,300. Ms Ford, from Grantham in Lincolnshire, is raising money for Lymphoma Action, which is believed to be the fifth most common about her cancer journey, Ms Ford said: "It came as a complete shock."The whole experience was made even worse as I went through my treatment during Covid, which meant I was unable to have anyone with me for support."It was a very tough time."She said she would be "forever grateful" to the charity. Her husband and son have run the London Marathon over the last couple of said she was inspired by her son, who ran 999 miles (1,608km) from John O' Groats in Scotland to Lands' End in Cornwall, via the three peaks, in 19 Ford is part of Grantham Running Club and first ran the marathon in 2014."The training so far has been challenging, particularly in the recent spell of cold weather, but I have been spurred on and motivated by wonderful family and friends," Ms Ford said. Follow Peterborough news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
