After initially dismissing her son’s unusual walking as mere silliness, a mother’s realization that it was a sign of cancer led her to credit their Christmas Day walk with saving his life.
Ania Hough recounted how her eight-year-old son, Jamie Hough, had complained of headaches and vomiting back in October 2023. Initially attributing it to a common stomach bug, she sought medical attention after his symptoms persisted. Despite multiple consultations, including a visit to her GP for migraines and a wait for a neurologist referral, Jamie’s condition deteriorated. It was during a Christmas morning walk that Ania noticed Jamie struggling to walk properly, prompting her to rush him back to the hospital.
Upon further examination, a CT scan revealed abnormal brain activity, leading to a 12-hour brain surgery at King’s College Hospital. The biopsy results confirmed a large cancerous brain tumor called choroid plexus carcinoma, which was successfully removed. Ania now advocates for parents to be proactive in seeking medical scans for persistent headache complaints in children.
Following a series of surgeries and treatments, Jamie completed his chemotherapy sessions in September 2024 and received a clean bill of health in November. Ania expressed gratitude for the support received during Jamie’s journey and emphasized the importance of early intervention in potentially life-threatening situations like his.
As the family prepares for a hopeful Christmas, Ania shares Jamie’s story to raise awareness and highlight the critical role timely medical intervention played in his recovery. She encourages parents to advocate for their children’s health and not hesitate to seek further medical evaluation if needed.