AN “unbearable itch” was the first sign of cancer for 15-year-old Niamh Fisher.
In June this year, Niamh, from Bonkle, Scotland, developed a constant itch all over her body which her family thought was related to an allergy or intolerance.
4
4
Her grandparents Deborah, 48, and Brian Connell, 65, who are her legal guardians, described their granddaughter as “stunning”, “healthy” and a lover of all things beauty-related.
After seeing her GP, it was suggested she keep a diary of her food and the beauty products she was using.
But the itching soon became “unbearable”, to the point where she couldn’t sleep and she was “clawing at her skin”.
After a lump suddenly appeared in her neck overnight, the family rushed her to A&E.
A CT scan, biopsy and an ultrasound followed, which led to Niamh’s Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis – a cancer that develops in the lymphatic system – in August.
Niamh is currently undergoing chemotherapy as treatment.
Deborah, speaking on behalf of Niamh, said: “Niamh was one of the it girls – she’s beautiful, she’s stunning, but she doesn’t want anyone to see her because her hair’s all falling out.
“She’s always one with her fake tan, her lashes and her makeup, and she doesn’t have that now.
“She can’t even put her nails on or nail polish because of the chemotherapy, so that’s where she’s struggling.
“She’s got loads of friends and she doesn’t even want to see them, which is heartbreaking.
“Hopefully, it’s only going to be four or six months out of life and then she can go back to the person she was, go to her parties and wear fancy dresses.”
During the time of Niamh’s diagnosis, Brian’s daughter Mhaired, Niamh’s aunt, then died, aged 35, on September 10, following struggles with mental health and alcohol.
Deborah described this as another “devastating” blow to the family.
She and Brian are legal guardians of Brian’s daughter’ kids – Casey, 16, Niamh, 15, and Jacob, 12, and Mhaired’s two daughters Kathleen, 14, and Lucy, 6.
Although she’s not their biological mother, Deborah said the children are the couple’s “whole life”.
Speaking about the diagnosis, Deborah said: “They’re not my biological children, but nobody in this Earth would ever love any of them as much as I do.
If anybody thinks that there’s something untoward with their body, even the smallest thing, check, check and check again.
Deborah Connell
“Both Brian and I eat, sleep and breathe the five of them, but when someone tells you something like that, you can’t breathe.
“It was the worst feeling in the world because it’s totally out of your control. You can’t do anything, you can’t help them, all you can do is hold their hand.”
After having a CT scan, biopsy and an ultrasound, Niamh was transferred to Queen Elizabeth Hospital Young Person’s Unit, where her Stage 2 Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis was confirmed on August 31.
Doctors told the family Niamh’s treatment would involve four 28-day cycles of chemotherapy, of which she has completed two so far.
Although she has struggled with the change in her appearance and she is missing school and her friends, Deborah said she has been “phenomenal” throughout.
Inspired by the “fantastic” staff at Queen Elizabeth Hospital Young Person’s Unit, and in memory of Mhaired and in support of Niamh, Deborah and Brian decided to set up a GoFundMe page to raise money.
What are the signs of lymphoma?
LYMPHOMA is a term for cancer that starts in the lymph system – a network of vessels and glands that spans your body.
There are two main kinds of lymphoma – Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Lymphoma can cause many different symptoms, depending on which type of lymphoma it is and where it develops in the body.
The most typical signs are:
- Swollen lymph nodes, such as in the neck, armpit or groin area
- Night sweats
- Extreme tiredness
- Itching
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Excessive bleeding, such as nosebleeds, heavy periods and spots of blood under the skin
Other signs of lymphoma in a more localised area include:
- Swelling of the stomach, loss of appetite and other abdominal symptoms
- Coughing, shortness of breath, or chest pain
The couple shaved their head in support of “Brave the Shave” on September 27, which was “emotional” yet “invigorating”, and they decided to start with a fundraising target of £250 for Teenage Cancer Trust.
With more than £5,600 being donated so far, the couple said they’ve been “totally overwhelmed” by people’s generosity.
Now their focus is getting Niamh “back on track” and to help her “lead a happy and healthy life”.
Niamh said she wanted to issue the following message: “Trust your gut instinct.”
Deborah said: “If anybody thinks that there’s something untoward with their body, even the smallest thing, check, check and check again.
“With regards to life, yes, everybody has ups and downs, everybody has heartache, everybody has troubles, that’s just life, but by God you only get one chance in life.
“You dance as hard as you can to the tune that’s being played, and you make your life as happy as you possibly can, because it’s so short and it’s so tough.
“We’re trying to dance to get our girl back on track and we’ll dance as hard as we can.”
To donate or find out more, visit gofundme.com/f/team-niamhy.
I just wanted relief from the itching – but it turned out to be cancer
By Christine Jennings, Production Editor
I couldn’t understand what was happening to me when I started itching all over.
I was constantly scratching and even had my husband attack my feet – which I hate being touched – with a hairbrush.
Friends and family tried giving me advice, such as “change your washing powder” or “use body cream”.
Deep inside I knew these wouldn’t help – but I didn’t know what would.
After two months of agonising itching, in which it didn’t even occur to me to seek medical help, I was sitting at my desk at work when I just brushed my hand against my neck and shoulder.
Was that a lump?
I rushed to the ladies but couldn’t see anything, so I moved my hand over the place again.
I could definitely feel something – and when I pushed my shoulders back, I could see a swelling.
Probably swollen glands, I thought.
With the constant itching and now a lump, I finally decided to head to the doctors.
Once there, I told my GP about the constant itching.
New cat, she asked?
Yes, but I’m sure it’s not that.
Have you changed your washing powder?
No.
As I felt her interest waning, I blurted out: “Oh and I’ve found what I think is a lump on my neck.”
Straight away I could see a change in her, and within a week I was in hospital having scans and blood tests – only to be told it was lymphoma.
I’d never even heard of it and certainly didn’t know it was cancer.
Within days I was at hospital for my first chemotherapy – and was so excited that I would finally get relief from my itching.
I had no idea of the gruelling effects rounds of chemo would have in the months ahead.
Thankfully, the itching did stop and after six months of chemo, plus two more additional months of treatment, I was given the all-clear.
Now, over twenty years have passed and I’m still cancer-free – but the tiniest of itches can make me anxious
My advice to anyone with the same symptoms is to see your GP straight away.
And be persistent. My GP’s swift actions saved my life.
4
4
