Luke's hepatoblastoma survival story

The beginning of Luke’s liver cancer story

Luke appeared to be a healthy, very happy, contented baby. When he was five months old, he began to take less milk in a feed, needed to feed more often, and didn’t appear to enjoy solids. We weren’t overly concerned and neither was his Health Visitor.

One morning when I was changing his nappy (he was six months old), I noticed a lump protruding from under his ribcage when he was lying down. It felt very big and it was hard and solid.

I rang my Health Visitor with my concern and she visited within the hour. She didn’t seem overly concerned but advised we see our GP over the next few days.

I got an appointment for the following morning Friday 14 December 2007, the beginning of the worst time of our lives.

Luke was referred for blood tests and scans

I remember sitting in the waiting room with Luke asleep in his car seat, the Christmas tree in the waiting room and carols playing. He looked so healthy and contented. It will be nothing, I thought.

Anyway, the GP examined him and referred him immediately to Frimley Park Hospital A&E department as he wanted a scan done and blood taken. He didn’t alarm me too much but he was persistent and serious.

We spent the afternoon at the hospital and he had an ultrasound scan, CT scan and numerous blood tests. It was very distressing for us all. They informed us that evening that our baby boy had cancer – but they didn’t know what type and how serious it was.

“Babies don’t get cancer! There must be a mistake,” I thought. The world as we knew it fell apart and we started the long journey that was cancer.

Luke was transferred to Great Ormond Street Hospital in London. We spent a week in Lion Ward whilst the oncology team did further tests, a biopsy of the lump, and inserted his central line, he had an MRI scan and another CT scan.

Luke went through so much that week but was still the happy baby boy we knew and loved. We missed our other two children terribly and it was a very difficult time for them too. Luckily we had grandparents to help as much as they could.

Luke’s liver cancer story update

Update on Luke – five years in remission

Thanks to new research into medicines and treatment, Luke is now five years in remission.

We took him and his brothers on a very special holiday to Disney World, Florida in April 2013 to celebrate.

We all had an amazing time!!

(June 2013)

Over six years in remission and doing 13 hours a week of gymnastics!

Luke is doing really well. He is now in Year 3 at school and enjoys all his subjects.

He does 13 hours a week of gymnastics. He is in the Junior Boys Squad at Rushmoor Gymnastics Academy and recently competed in his first competition. He did so well and we were very proud. He even got 1st place for his floor routine!

We still visit Great Ormond Street annually but at the moment, he is not showing any long-term effects from his cancer treatment. He certainly doesn’t seem to lack energy!!

We are looking forward to a big family Christmas again this year.

(November 2014)

Eight years in remission and thriving!

Luke will be nine in June. He loves school and he is now a Men’s Artistic Squad gymnast at Basingstoke Gymnastics Club where he trains 17 hours a week!

He recently competed in the South Region competition for his age group and came a very respectable 10th overall and just missed out on a medal on the high bar!

He loves life and we are so proud of our little miracle.

(May 2016)

Luke’s liver cancer story update

Update June 2017

Luke is now nine years old and recently attended the 2017 Gymnastics British Championships in Liverpool.  His mum Claire said: “He loves life and we are so proud of our little miracle. So proud of my survivor, he won the overall bronze medal in the South Region Championships during towards the end of May 2017.”

Luke’s liver cancer story update

Update May 2019

Luke has started secondary school and he is continuing to excel in gymnastics. Earlier this month he became regional under 12 champion and also finished eighth in a national competition against some of the best gymnasts in the country. He is continuing to thrive and loves life! He is about to turn 12 and we’re very excited to see what the future holds for him.

Update: January 2024

Luke is 16 now and finished school with all his GCSE’s last summer. He now attends college and is studying sport and exercise science.  He is still a competitive gymnast and although he had to move clubs towards the end of last year, it was definitely the right move as he is thriving again and training for the English Championships in March. He received an outstanding contribution to sport award from his school last year.  He has his final oncology check up at Great Ormond Street in a few months before he is moved to adult follow up care in our local hospital where they will keep checking for any long term side effects. But for now, life is good for Luke and we are very grateful for that!