My tot’s aches were put down to Covid but real cause was my worst nightmare

A MUM was left horrified after discovering her son’s tummy and leg pain that was brushed off as Covid by doctors was something sinister.

Louise Noone, 35, experienced every parent’s worst nightmare when medics informed her that three-year-old James was actually battling a deadly disease.

4

4

The little boy began complaining of excruciating tummy and leg pain back in June this year, which became so painful he struggled to walk.

James’ concerned parents then took him to the Princess of Wales hospital in Bridgend in a bid to get to the bottom of his discomfort.

The youngster took a Covid test which gave a positive result, seeing doctors presume he was simply suffering from symptoms of the virus.

He was sent home and seemingly began to recover, before James started to complain of pain again around four weeks later.

Louise and her husband Ashley Lewis, 33, immediately returned to the hospital with their son to get him checked over.

But after undergoing multiple tests and an MRI scan, the couple were given the devastating news that James’ tiny body was riddled with tumours.

The three-year-old was then transferred to Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital in Cardiff, where he was diagnosed with neuroblastoma.

The rare cancer, which affects around 100 children in the UK each year, develops in nerve cells and can spread to other organs.

Ashley said he was left feeling “helpless”, adding: “It’s a horrible situation and I wouldn’t wish it upon anyone.”

Louise told Wales Online: “It’s been hard and absolutely devastating – we’re so worried about his health.

“It’s been a stressful experience for the whole family, going back and forth to the hospital.

“It has been hard as we haven’t been able to go out anywhere just in case James catches anything.

“So we’re missing out on family stuff and time together.”

The mum-of-two explained James is now undergoing chemotherapy and is over halfway through his 80-day course.

The three-year-old will then undergo further MRI scans to monitor how the masses have responded to the gruelling treatment.

He’s starting to lose his hair now and has the odd tantrum with it, which is understandable as he’s going through a lot, but he’s so far responding well to the chemotherapy.

Ashley Lewis

He will then have surgery to remove a tumour in his stomach.

Dad Ashley added: “At first we felt angry at the situation and I feel it has been harder for my wife as he has been attached to her all through this – he will not leave her side.

“But we’re trying to keep it positive for the kids and I think it’s easier to be more positive now because of the way he’s reacting to it.

“He’s doing brilliantly with it and you know he’s feeling ok because he’s still running around being a dinosaur.

“He’s starting to lose his hair now and has the odd tantrum with it, which is understandable as he’s going through a lot, but he’s so far responding well to the chemotherapy.”

The family now hopes that James will make a full recovery, although his treatment will continue for up to 18 months.

But they are also coming to terms with the fact that the toddler could relapse in the first two years.

Mum Louise has been forced to take three months off work to care for her son.

Loved ones have now launched a JustGiving page in hopes of raising money for local cancer charity LATCH, who have supported the family.

4

4