Does Anyone Remember This Tv Programme Please?

[BamberLamb]

It was a documentary, about 10 years ago maybe longer, not sure. It was about a 12 year old boy who had cancer of the spine. So far in his life, he had been ok and doing things that boys do with his mates and so on. But now his body was about to change, and the changes, allied to the cancer, could have dire consequences for him and leave him paralised if nothing was done. The boy said he was ok; why did he need it if he was ok? He couldn't grasp the reality because so far it had had little effect on him. Specialists said they could remove the cancer but they could only guarantee 50% success. Without the op, he would definitely end up paralised, as the cancer was growing on his spinal chord. After much consideration, his parents and the boy, decided to have the operation and the cameras follow the lead up to the big day. On the day, the cameras were allowed in to film the operation. After the incision, between his shoulder blades, the cancer was there for all to see. It looked horrible, growing around his spine.

I do not know to this day, how that operation went for the boy because I had to leave for work on the night shift, just as the surgeon was about to operate. No-one was in the house either, watching it, so Ive wondered all this time if it turned out ok for him. I like to think it did. They wouldn't show a programme that ended on such a downer would they? Would they? If you remember this programme, please let me know. Thank you.

[Sqad]

No Bamber, I cannot recall 5hat programme, but your excellent resume allows me to make an educated guess.
The tumour would almost certainly have been a malignant apendymoma and the survival rate would depend on the grade and extent of the tumour and also how much ofthe tumour could be removed by the neurosurgeon.
The boy may have had minor symptoms, headache perhaps, odd feelings in his legs and subsequent investigation might show that his walking and bowel and water control would be impaired.
I reassert that I didn't see the programme.
It is also safe to say, that it is unlikely that the child is alive today.

[LadyCG]

Sorry to interrupt - Sqad, could you check your emails please.

[Sqad]

LadyCG.....emails checked...nada..

[Sqad]

Sorry Bamber it should be Ependymoma NOT Apendymoma

[BamberLamb]

Sorry for the late response. Thank you Squad. Are you a medical professional? You seem to have good knowledge and I appreciate your reply. Such a shame if what you say is correct- that he is unlikely to be alive today. All that trauma for it to end like that. But I suppose that is a sad situation for some people even now. Thanks again.

[Sqad]

Yes,I am Bamber.