Young cancer survivor Oscar Hatt, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma at just 5 months old, has started school this week – which coincides with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Isle of Wight parents Joanna Tosdevin, 35, and Russell Hatt, 37, are now sharing their story, which began when their son was diagnosed back in January 2021, to raise vital awareness as part of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
Oscar had been teething badly and felt quite poorly when his parents noticed that his left leg was limp whenever they sat him up. They called 111 and went to urgent care to be seen. The doctor noticed a bulge on his back and said they needed an MRI scan. An ambulance arrived and transferred them via ferry to Southampton at 01:00.
Jo said:
“The scan took about 2 hours, it was awful. They brought him back and said nothing. I knew the nurse knew something but she couldn’t say. I could hear the doctor say Oscar’s name, but it turned out because of where the tumour was they were having a big meeting to decide what to do to relieve the pressure on his spine. They told us what it was – neuroblastoma.”
Due to coronavirus restrictions at the time, Oscar’s dad Russell couldn’t be on the ward so found out the news over FaceTime. Oscar was then taken down for emergency surgery that evening.
Oscar went on to have 6 rounds of chemotherapy and then a final surgery in June 2021. He is now in remission and has joined his big brother at school this week.
The family were supported during Oscar’s cancer treatment by Young Lives vs Cancer. Young Lives vs Cancer is the only charity in the UK with specialist social workers dedicated to providing tailored emotional and practical care and support to children and young people with cancer, and their families.
As the hospital was so far from home, across the Solent, the family stayed at Jean’s House a Young Lives vs Cancer Home from Home next to Southampton hospital.
Jo said:
“It was so good that as it was so close by to the hospital but far enough to feel you had come away from the hospital. It also meant you didn’t have to do the journey of the 1 hour crossing and and the driving either side – it’s 10 minutes from the ferry and 10 minutes from the hospital.”
Rachel Kirby-Rider, Chief Executive at Young Lives vs Cancer, has said:
“Today, 12 more children and young people like Oscar in the UK will hear the devastating news that they have cancer. Treatment normally starts immediately, is often given many miles from home and can last for up to three years. Children can often feel isolated and we need to ensure they are being given the right support they need for their mental wellbeing during and after treatment.
“This Childhood Cancer Awareness Month we want to raise vital awareness of the needs to improve cancer services for children and how people can help support them.”
To find out more about Young Lives vs Cancer and how you can support children with cancer this Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, visit their website: https://www.younglivesvscancer.org.uk/support-us/childhood-cancer-awareness-month/.
