A blood test was taken and hours later our GP appeared at the door
It is six years ago now but Natasha Hunter remembers her little boy’s diagnosis like it was delivered yesterday.
Jack Hunter, now eight, is in remission from leukaemia but Natasha, 36, and Stuart, 39, from Perth remember how their fears escalated after their GP arrived at their door with the results of a blood test taken a few hours earlier at the surgery.
“Jack had been ill for a few weeks, feeling listless and sleepy and I went back and forward to our GP,” said Natasha.
“Then when bruises started appearing on his arms I asked for him to be examined by a paediatrician but was told an appointment could take six months.
“A blood test was taken and hours later our GP appeared at the door telling us Jack had to go to the children’s hospital at Ninewells, Dundee, to see a specialist.
“I was working as a carer then and knew immediately that this could mean cancer. The test results confirmed doctors’ suspicions and Jack entered the world of childhood cancer where children have to undergo serious chemo treatment to try to survive. The side-effects of chemo at two means Jack now has a marked loss of concentration, loss of muscle tone in his hands and feet and other physical problems.
“His acute lymphoblastic leukaemia was initially resistant to the usual protocol so higher doses were needed so the side effects have been more pronounced. This is what it took to live and Jack had to endure it.
“We have two older children who had to accept us disappearing to hospital at short notice when Jack had setbacks after he left hospital. The whole family experiences fear and uncertainty.
“It takes years to summon up the courage to tell the world what we have all been through with Jack’s leukaemia but it is important that people know.
“If pollution is driving childhood leukaemia then surely it must be on the agenda for the Cop26 meeting in Glasgow.”
Jack is three years into remission and working hard at school despite the legacy of his cancer and treatment.