An Essex mother shared her distressing experience of her three-year-old son’s misdiagnosed rare brain tumor, revealing that initial GP visits had mistaken the cancer for infections before an emergency hospital visit. Emily Cable, a 30-year-old former retail worker, recounted how her son, Frank, initially showed signs of fatigue and irritability in April 2024 at just one year old. Subsequently, his symptoms worsened, leading to breathlessness, prompting a private GP visit that diagnosed him with a chest infection and prescribed antibiotics.
As Frank’s condition deteriorated to include vomiting and extreme lethargy, Emily’s husband, Josh, took him to their local GP twice more, where both times, it was thought to be a viral infection. However, less than a day after the third GP visit, Frank was rushed to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford after suffering a sudden massive seizure. Following a CT scan and X-ray, doctors discovered a large tumor at the back of Frank’s head along with a significant fluid buildup.
In a heartbreaking moment on May 23, 2024, Emily and Josh were informed of Frank’s dire situation, necessitating him to be placed in an induced coma due to the risk of stroke or further seizures. He was quickly transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London for specialized care.
After immediate surgery at Gosh, Emily described the emotional turmoil of seeing Frank hooked up to various machines to keep him stable. A subsequent 11-hour surgery removed the brain tumor, with Emily having to bid farewell to Frank before the procedure. During this time, the family’s focus was solely on Frank’s well-being, with their daughters being cared for by their grandparents.
Following the successful surgery, Frank underwent proton beam therapy at University College London Hospital to target any remaining cancer cells. While the treatment took a toll on Frank, causing exhaustion and feeding difficulties, Emily praised the medical staff at Broomfield Hospital and Gosh for their exceptional care and support throughout Frank’s treatment journey.
By the end of 2024, Frank completed his radiotherapy treatment and received the news of being in remission, marking a joyous occasion for the family. Despite the challenges Frank faced post-treatment, including delayed development milestones, Emily expressed gratitude for every milestone he achieved, cherishing moments like his first steps and words.
Presently, Frank continues to receive regular medical check-ups and support, as Emily and Josh navigate their new normal with optimism and resilience. They are actively involved in supporting Gosh Charity’s fundraising efforts to build a new Children’s Cancer Centre, showcasing their gratitude for the care and dedication shown by the hospital staff during Frank’s healing journey.