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A mother praises a dedicated man cancer A nurse provides cancer care to her and her son, who are more than thirty years apart.
Stephanie Muirhead, 46, and her son Andrew, 14, NHS bigger Glasgow and Clyde (NHS GGC) hospitals, who are all cared for by nurse Angela Howat.
In 1990 Mrs Muirhead was treated for a cancerous spinal tumor at Yorkhill Hospital.
Some 33 years later, Andrew was diagnosed with a medulloblastoma brain tumor at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RHC) in Glasgow.
Andrew’s symptoms first appeared in May 2023 and lasted until after the summer holidays, when his GP referred him to the RHC, where a subsequent MRI scan revealed a mass in his brain.
His mother explained: “I knew something was wrong when they started using dye for scans.
“Soon after, one of Andrew’s neurosurgeons explained that Andrew needed emergency surgery.
“It felt like he had been in the operating room forever. The neurosurgeon removed most of the tumor but left a thin layer of it to avoid damaging Andrew’s muscles.
“We have been told further treatment will include chemotherapy and proton therapy.”
Andrew’s recovery was challenging, requiring physical therapy to strengthen his neck and later requiring a wheelchair during chemotherapy.
His mother said the chemotherapy “really knocked him out” and he lost weight and needed help with his diet.
She praised the “incredible” hospital staff who cared for her son, singling out Angela Horvath.
“This place is like a well-oiled machine. You just keep going and then you look back and realize how amazing everyone is,” she said.
“We formed lifelong friendships, especially with Angela Horvath, the nurse who cared for both of us.
“I was cared for by an excellent team of nurses on Ward 7A at Yorkhill Hospital, including Ann Clarkin, Gillian Paton and Angela.
“Everyone on that ward was great. I wish I could name them all and thank them!”
Ms Howat, a clinical nurse specialist in neuro-oncology at NHS GGC, spoke of the “lasting bonds” formed between clinical staff and patients.
“Early in my career, I cared for Stephanie as a little girl and supported her through her treatment and recovery,” she said.
“Thirty-three years later, I have the privilege of taking on a new role as a neuro-oncology nurse specialist and caring for her son, Andrew.
“Andrew received intensive rehabilitation from a multidisciplinary team of physical therapy, occupational therapy and neuro-oncology and has shown extraordinary strength, resilience and determination in returning to school and embracing life to the fullest.
“Caring for two generations of the same family is deeply moving and a powerful reminder of the lasting bonds that are forged during the most vulnerable moments for patients and their families.”
The RHC was recently named a Tessa Jowell Center of Excellence for its outstanding care of children with brain tumors, including providing “cohesive, all-encompassing support” throughout each child’s treatment.
Roddy O’Kane, one of Andrew’s neurosurgeons, reflects on the many different areas of expertise required to treat children with cancer.
“Childhood cancer care is truly multidisciplinary, involving nurses, surgeons, oncologists, nutritionists, physical therapists, play specialists, teachers and volunteers,” he explains.
“Andrew’s journey demonstrates the strength of this team as well as his extraordinary resilience. We are all very proud of him and wish him all the best for the future.”
In the summer of 2024, Andrew was told that he was currently cancer-free and that he would continue to have regular scans to monitor his condition.
His mother has been cancer-free since completing treatment in July 1990 and has annual check-ups at the West Bateson Cancer Center in Scotland.
Mrs Muirhead said that before Andrew’s surgery she promised him a gift when it was over.
“He wanted a dog and now Benny is part of our family,” she said.
Andrew was also nominated by his community nurse for a Dream Flight trip to Florida where he visited Disneyland and Universal Studios.
His mother said: “We couldn’t believe it when the charity accepted it. He’s had the best time of his life.”