Home / Health / Mom's Instinct Saves Baby From Aggressive Cancer
Mom's Instinct Saves Baby From Aggressive Cancer
18 Aug
Summary
- A mother's intuition identified aggressive cancer in her baby.
- Early signs included a swollen tummy and a rash.
- The baby was diagnosed with stage 4 neuroblastoma.
A mother's unwavering instinct proved crucial when her infant daughter was diagnosed with a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. Lauren Banham noticed her six-month-old, Nellie, had a swollen tummy and a rash, prompting her to seek medical advice despite reassurances from others.
This concern led to a diagnosis of stage 4 neuroblastoma in July 2020, just four days after their initial GP visit. Nellie, described as a warrior, endured eight months of intensive treatment, including chemotherapy and surgery, at Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Tragically, the cancer returned weeks after surgery, this time in Nellie's brain. Despite the family's devastation, Lauren's instincts once again alerted them to the relapse. Nellie passed away in March 2021 at just 14 months old.
Lauren now advocates for parents to trust their instincts and recognize childhood cancer warning signs like lumps, persistent fevers, or unexplained bruising. She hopes her daughter's story encourages vigilance and support for families facing similar challenges.
