A Schoolboy’s Rapid Weight Gain Was a Sign of Brain Cancer
A Tragic Diagnosis
Luke Poga’s mum Sam, 42, initially attributed the nine-year-old’s rapid weight gain to a lack of exercise during the lockdown period. However, when Luke started to get sore eyes, she became concerned and contacted a nutritionist. The diagnosis was devastating: Luke had an inoperable high-grade glioma, a type of brain tumor.
A Change in Body Shape Can Be a Sign of a Brain Tumor
Sam, a church volunteer, from Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, said: “When the children returned to school around July 2021, parents commented that Luke looked different. He was always so slight, so it was a noticeable change for everyone who knew him.”
Unusual Symptoms
When Luke was six, he was already wearing clothes meant for 11-to-12-year-olds. Sam continued to worry about her son’s weight and took him to Tesco Opticians, who referred him to ophthalmology at Barnet Hospital. An MRI scan found an inoperable brain tumor.
Combating the Disease
Sam, who is mum to Daisy, 12, said: “I felt numb and couldn’t take in the information presented to me during the appointment. Luke had combined radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatment and lost the weight. His eyesight remained intact, and for some time we enjoyed life as a family, whilst still navigating medical appointments.”
A Terminal Diagnosis
At the beginning of 2024, doctors said Luke was terminal, and he fought on for months longer than doctors gave him. The cancer was sadly too aggressive, and Luke died at Watford General Hospital on August 26, 2024.
A Legacy of Hope
Months later, in December, a 10-year-old girl at his school died of the disease. Now more than 300 staff and children from three to 11 at Summerswood Primary School in Borehamwood are walking 10,000 steps every day in February to raise money for Brain Tumor Research inspired by the two pupils. Sam is joining in with the challenge to help find a cure for all types of brain tumors.
Conclusion
Luke’s story highlights the importance of awareness and research for brain tumors. Brain Tumor Research is working to find kinder treatments and eventually a cure for this disease. The support of Luke’s school and the community has been incredible, and Sam’s determination to raise awareness and funds for research is a testament to her love and dedication to her son.
FAQs
Q: What are the signs and symptoms of a brain tumor?
A: Signs and symptoms of a brain tumor can differ from patient to patient and be anything from headaches, change in personality, and, unusually, in Luke’s case, change in body shape.
Q: How can I support Brain Tumor Research?
A: You can support Brain Tumor Research by participating in events like the 10,000-step challenge, donating to the organization, or spreading awareness about the importance of brain tumor research.
Q: What is Brain Tumor Research doing to combat the disease?
A: Brain Tumor Research is working to find kinder treatments and eventually a cure for brain tumors. The organization is also advocating for increased investment in research to better understand how tumors develop and how they can be detected and treated.
