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Generations of Care: Nurse Aids Two Family Members
15 Jan
Summary
- Nurse Angela Howat cared for mother Stephanie Muirhead and later her son Andrew.
- Mother and son both received cancer treatment at NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde hospitals.
- Andrew was diagnosed with a brain tumour 33 years after his mother's spinal tumour.
Nurse Angela Howat has forged an extraordinary connection by caring for two generations of the same family through their cancer battles. In 1990, Howat provided care for a young Stephanie Muirhead during her treatment for a spinal tumour at Yorkhill Hospital. Three decades later, Howat, now a neuro oncology clinical nurse specialist, was reunited with Muirhead when her son, Andrew, was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
Andrew, 14, received treatment for a medulloblastoma at the Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow starting in mid-2023. His treatment involved surgery, chemotherapy, and proton therapy. His mother described the challenging recovery, noting his significant weight loss and need for physiotherapy. Throughout this difficult period, the hospital staff, including nurse Howat, provided exceptional support.
Both Stephanie and Andrew have now completed their treatments and are in remission. Stephanie has been cancer-free since July 1990, while Andrew received the news of being cancer-free in summer 2024, with ongoing monitoring. The story highlights the deep, lasting bonds formed between healthcare professionals and patients, underscoring the power of compassionate care across generations.
