Boy’s brain tumor symptoms dismissed as acid reflux

By James Connolly

A four-year-old boy's symptoms were dismissed as acid reflux - until doctors discovered he had a life-threatening brain tumor.

Reggie Davison, from Morley, West Yorks., became poorly last spring when he suddenly started vomiting and became dangerously exhausted.

But after grueling treatment, the youngster is back in school and has made a strong recovery - with his last scan clear.

His mom Kirsty Benson described how she was sent back and forth to the GP when Reggie first became ill, as his symptoms were put down to acid reflux.

He was treated with medicine for indigestion, but Kirsty's fears grew as her son's condition worsened.

Reggie eventually became so ill that he ended up in A&E at Leeds General Infirmary and was once again sent back to see the GP.

When the youngster started vomiting at school and became wobbly on his feet, Kirsty became convinced he had a brain tumor - having known a family with a child who displayed similar symptoms.

Reggie was seen again at Leeds General Infirmary and a CT scan confirmed that his mum was right.

Doctors said that if Reggie been admitted just one week later, then he wouldn't have survived.

He was diagnosed with a "medulloblastoma," which required 12 hours of surgery to remove the tumor.

Kirsty described it as the "worst day of my life."

Following the surgery, Reggie developed Posterior Fossa Syndrome (PFS), which meant he was unable to speak.

He had also lost the ability to walk, swallow and couldn't open his eyes for a week.

His parents did their own physio and rehab at home, carrying Reggie around and giving him soft food which he could swallow easily.

He was placed on an international clinical trial called "SIOP-HRMB," which was funded by Cancer Research UK in partnership with The Brain Tumor Charity.

The trial involved two rounds of chemotherapy treatment followed by five weeks of intensive proton beam therapy bi-daily at The Christie Hospital in Manchester.

It proved grueling, as the treatment included two general anesthetics a day.

In his short life, Reggie has now had a staggering 61 general anesthetics.

His family, including older brother Rio, 10, moved into an apartment in Manchester city center for the whole time Reggie was having treatment, with Rio attending the hospital school.

Reggie then had oral maintenance chemotherapy at home for six months and responded well.

His last scan was clear and he is now back at school in Morley, West Yorks., although he will still needs lots of regular check-ups.

Kirsty, aged 34, nominated Reggie for Cancer Research UK's Children and Young People Star Award.

She said: "We are so incredibly proud of Reggie for staying as cheerful as possible through the darkest of times.

"It was a really difficult time for the family when he was diagnosed. Even though my gut instinct told me he had a brain tumor, it was still a huge shock to be told that was the case.

"Waiting for him to get through the 12 hours of surgery was painful and something I will never forget.

"We are also so proud of Rio for stepping up and being caring, patient and showing such maturity at the age of 10.

"It's great to see Reggie back at school now and loving life with his friends."

Every child nominated for the award receives the accolade.

It is backed by a host of famous faces, including children's author Joseph Coelho, US singer JoJo Siwa, pop star Pixie Lott, TV personality Dr. Ranj and children's TV favorite Mister Maker.

As well as a star-shaped trophy, Reggie also received a $50 TJ Maxx gift card, a t-shirt and a certificate signed by the celebrities.

His sibling Rio also received a certificate too for his courage.

St James' University Hospital in Leeds, West Yorks., is one of the centers across the UK taking part in ground-breaking clinical trials co-ordinated by a dedicated clinical trial unit for children's cancers.

The trials make innovative new treatments available to children with cancer across the region.  

Cancer Research UK is the biggest charitable funder of research into children's and young people's cancers in the UK.