Neuroblastoma Journey of Liam Hayden, CAPE TOWN

Jade gave birth to a beautiful baby boy on 25th August 2021 via C-section. Newborn was soon rushed to the NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit), Jade was told that her son was swollen and that they had found a mass in his abdomen. That’s how the Neuroblastoma Journey of Liam Hayden started.

Jade discusses Liam’s Neuroblastoma Journey With MOMSHUBBUB

Liam’s first two weeks of his life went MRI scan and two CT scans which he was anesthetized for all on separate days. Bone marrow taken out of both his legs, a biopsy of his tumor and a Hickman line put in, in case he needed chemotherapy. Multiple blood and urine tests. In and out of the blue lights as he was jaundiced.

While he was going through all of this we could only visit for one hour, one parent a day and we were not allowed to hold him most days. The staff were amazing and let us bend the rules at times but we still hardly knew our boy and all we wanted was to spend every minute with him. It was so hard to see him like this.

Right after his biopsy the professor told us that it was definitely Neuroblastoma, and they can give us some medicines to shrink and remove the tumor. I don’t know about you but chemotherapy is not just some “medicine”! 

We had no idea what he meant at that time!

The whole process is so hard on their little bodies, it’s hard thing to see your child go through

Thank you for sharing your story with MOMSHUBBUB

Today is International Childhood Cancer Day, and we thank Jade and Incredibly brave Hayden family for sharing Liam’s Journey, and bringing Neuroblastoma the awareness it deserves and the harsh treatment it entails. Neuroblastoma happens when immature nerve tissues (neuroblasts) grow out of control. The cells become abnormal and continue growing and dividing, forming a tumor.

On this  International Childhood Cancer Day, take that time today to reach out to someone you know with cancer; families that are struggling during the treatment a simple text, call or message goes a long way, be a good listener.

Remember that most cancer patients don’t want to be treated differently, any love and support you provide to them/caregivers can make a big difference. 

Everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about, BE KIND. ALWAYS .