World Cancer Day: Spencer's Story
The 4th February 2024 is World Cancer Day, which aims to create a future without cancer. It calls on governments around the world to promote health equity, enhance cancer service accessibility, reduce disparities in cancer incidence and mortality, and finally close the care gap.
On this important day, we would like to share with you a story about a beautiful little boy, Spencer, who sadly passed away in 2007 from neuroblastoma. Spencer’s mum, Amanda, has kindly shared this story to help raise awareness about the drastic need for new, more effective and less punishing treatments for neuroblastoma. Thank you, Amanda.
Spencer was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just two years old.
the warning signs
On December 11th 2006, our lives changed forever. Spencer had been complaining of a tummy ache for the previous two nights. It was unusual for him to be ill, so I took him to our GP for a check up. I managed to get an appointment straight away and it soon became apparent that this was more than just a tummy bug.
The doctor immediately transferred us to the Royal Alexander Children’s Hospital in Brighton for further investigations, and this was when the true nightmare began. Throughout the day he was given various scans and x-rays, with the consultants investigating becoming more senior as time wore on. Eventually, the consultants gathered around to break the devastating news – Spencer could either have Wilms Disease or Neuroblastoma. I can recall to this day the moment I outburst, “that is good then?” At that time, I didn’t realise these diseases were cancer. Everybody just looked around in response with grief etched on their faces; it was then that I knew it was very bad news indeed.
“This was when the true nightmare began.”
endless hospital visits
We stayed in Brighton hospital overnight. The next morning, Spencer was so seriously ill that an ambulance took us straight to Marsden, with the sirens wailing and lights flashing. It was confirmed that Spencer had neuroblastoma and the disease was widespread. The main tumour was very large and attached to his left adrenal gland; it had also spread to his lymphatic glands in his neck.
This harrowing image represents the reality of neuroblastoma for Spencer.
We spent most of 2007 in and out of various hospitals across Brighton and London, more time in than out. Spencer has undergone various treatments, all very hard and pretty horrific. At the beginning of November, all treatment had stopped because the doctors thought Spencer was on the mend. The Hickman lines were removed and for the first time we were able to take Spence to a massive soft play area; it was so wonderful to watch him having fun like any ‘normal’ 3-year-old. We were really optimistic he had beaten this terrible disease, however, we were warned that if his cancer returned it would be terminal.
“No more needles, Mummy and Daddy.”
Spencer’s last words
Sadly, our optimism didn’t last long. On November 27th 2007, a growth appeared on his forehead and we immediately took him back to Brighton Hospital. Regrettably, the cancer had returned and this time there was no cure. Even Spencer must have known, because he turned to us and pleaded "no more needles, Mummy and Daddy.”
“...night night girls, love you.”
We came home with Spencer on Friday 7th December after being told he did not have much time left as the cancer was so aggressive. On the 4th January, Spencer passed peacefully away at home. His last words were “night night girls, love you.”
Spencer will always be remembers in our hearts.
more needs to be done
Our wholehearted thanks to Amanda for sharing her heartbreaking story about Spencer. At Neuroblastoma UK we are investing in research and drug development to find more effective treatments for Neuroblastoma, with the ultimate aim of finding a cure for this rare and aggressive cancer. Please donate on World Cancer Day to help us accelerate progress towards a future where no child dies because of neuroblastoma.