Becky's story

Becky was diagnosed with neuroblastoma 50 years ago in 1972. She was 18 months old and was given a one per cent chance of survival. Thanks to a clinical research trial, she is able to share her story today.

My diagnosis

“I was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma. I had a tumour the size of an adult’s fist...but I hadn’t shown any symptoms.”

Becky as a baby

“I am here today thanks to a very astute GP! Back in 1972, when I was 18 months old, my mum went to see our family GP. Although the appointment was for herself, she took me with her.

“The GP took one look at me and simply said, “She doesn’t look right.” I’d been quiet, but wasn’t ill. Yet he knew something was wrong. He knew the family well as he was the only GP we saw. I was sent for blood tests there and then.

“After various tests and examinations,
I was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma. I had a tumour the size of an adult's fist, it was up against my spine between my kidneys, but I hadn’t shown any symptoms at all. 

Treatment and a trial drug

“I was the first child to be offered (a new trial drug). My parents didn’t hesitate to agree - you try anything you need to do to save your child. And I am so grateful to the GP and the medical team who saved my life.”

“I was given 1% chance of survival. I had metal markers fitted for the targetted radiotherapy - and I still have them today. It makes for interesting conversations with security teams at airports! I also needed surgery to remove the tumour, and actually died on the operating table for a few minutes.

“They couldn’t remove all of the tumour so I was offered a trial combination drug as a last resort. It wasn’t available in the UK at the time and I was the first child to be offered it. My parents didn’t hesitate to agree - you try anything you need to do to save your child. And I am so grateful to the GP and the medical team who saved my life.

“My parents didn’t have a support group like those that are around today. I know they would have really appreciated The Neuroblastoma Society if I was diagnosed ten years later! We only knew of one other child with neuroblastoma at the time - her name was Lisa. She was in hospital with me and I’ll always remember her; she gave me her teddy shortly before she passed away.

Lasting impact

Becky today

“My diagnosis impacted the whole family. We really struggled financially and my dad had to take time off work to look after me.

“As a result of the treatment, I now have scoliosis and other long term health conditions and late effects relating to my spine. But I’ve never let it stop me.

“I did well at school, I’ve travelled the world, I have lots of amazing friends and had a successful career as a legal secretary for 26 years. 

Hope for the future

“Don’t let the cancer hold you back. You can do anything you want to do. Put your heart and soul into what you want to achieve. And I truly wish you all well and wish that you have a future that you deserve.”

“Having a charity like Neuroblastoma UK funding research for 40 years, gives me hope for the future. And I wanted to share my story to give other families hope too. I am so grateful for everything I have achieved.

“Neuroblastoma is really really tough, but if I could tell these children anything, it would be this: Don’t let the cancer hold you back. You can do anything you want to do. Put your heart and soul into what you want to achieve. And I truly wish you all well and wish that you have a future that you deserve.”