BBC Television programmes permalink
Children With Cancer
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Message 1.
Posted by Ding Dong Lilian on High (U5813576) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
I watched this with mixed feelings. I knew it would be a thought provoking programme, but oh those brave teenagers.
Andrew was so brave and caring of his parent's feelings. It was still a shock when he died and so brave of his parents for showing and appearing on TV after his death.
It will be interesting to see how Charlotte progresses. She was luckier in that she was responding to treatment, but again a very plucky youngster.
A very good programme showing the relationships between patients and consultants....and sadly parents going through what must be their worst nightmare.
Very sympathetically produced.....well done BBC. -
Message 2
Posted by UKSpike (U7508568) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
I used to hate these type of programmes, thinkning them voyeuristic and manipulative (full of plaintive music and heart rending big close ups of tearful parents).
BUT ...
My how one's perspective changes when you have kids of your own! There but for the grace of god ...
Last night's programme still used the plaintive music and heart rending close ups but it all seemed quite sensitive and well produced.
It also shows that while the NHS as an organisation might be in a bit of a state, you can't fault the people who work within it for their professionalism, expertise and care. -
Message 3
Posted by auntshiela (U7775513) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
I saw it too, too late for me really
but I couldn't stop watching. Such courage shown by all ... and the fantastic medical knowledge of those doctors ... What a shock for Andrew's parents. That such young adults could talk so clearly about the possibility of dying soon was almost entrancing. -
Message 4
Posted by Milky Joe (aka Trifon Ivanov) part 2 (U5350137) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
I found it very moving. I'd read in a TV Guide it was about kids who successfully battled cancer so was genuinely shocked when the boy died.
I think it worked well (for want of a better phrase) that they showed both the tragic side through death and the heart warming side of survival. It really does make me appreciate the work of the medical staff who deal with sick children and their strength of character to be able to do the job they do. -
Message 5
Posted by Eileen Dover (U7676842) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
You couldn't fail to be moved by Andrew. He was starting out on his long battle against leukemia. He spoke so honestly and calmly about his illness and his 50/50 chance of survival and his fear of dying which he didn't want to share with his parents lest it would upset them. Yet a few days later he was dead.
What the programme didn't say was that Andrew died of necrotising fasciitis ('flesh eating disease') hence his incredible suffering at the end. I do not understand why the programme makers did not state this rather than a vague reference to an infection. I feel they have let down Andrew's family in omitting this vital information. -
Message 6
Posted by Milky Joe (aka Trifon Ivanov) part 2 (U5350137) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
Maybe at the time of the interviews with the medical staff they hadn't had the confirmation that that was what had killed him?
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Message 7
Posted by Eileen Dover (U7676842) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
The medical staff were aware of Andrew's condition before he died hence the reason his parents were told there was no hope.
Necrotising fasciitis is a headline grabbing disease and I feel that it is why the decision was made not to mention it in the program. I feel that was wrong.
This article appeared in the Scotsman after Andrew's death:
thescotsman.scotsman... -
Message 8
Posted by Milky Joe (aka Trifon Ivanov) part 2 (U5350137) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
Medical staff were obviously aware but when it comes to stating the exact cause of death it can't be given until it has been officially confirmed. Maybe it wasn't when that woman was interviewed. Maybe it was a decision of the family not to mention it. I don't really see why they would choose not to mention it other than fact that it is a 'horror' infection that has featured in documentaries on Channel 5 and suchlike and maybe they felt they didn't want to detract from the leukamia focused story.
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Message 9
Posted by Ding Dong Lilian on High (U5813576) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
I think it was probably the fact that it was "Children with Cancer". It would have taken another programme to record that. The parents were very diplomatic about it....perhaps as someone said, that didn't emerge until later.
I don't think this thread should detract from the children, which was about how they dealt with it. Perhaps another thread could be started by the people who want to make that the issue, which on the programme, it was not! -
Message 10
Posted by MrBigStuff (U8091324) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
I watched it, after catching it by mistake. A teenage friend of mine died in April from cancer, and it brought back some painful memories. A good show, shows how brave and strong some people can be. My friend was, and I miss her loads
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Message 11
Posted by minimetto (U1159894) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
You couldn't fail to be moved by Andrew. He was starting out on his long battle against leukemia. He spoke so honestly and calmly about his illness and his 50/50 chance of survival and his fear of dying which he didn't want to share with his parents lest it would upset them. Yet a few days later he was dead.
I was deeply moved by Andrew's plight....what a brave young man and certainly he was a credit to his parents.......a dreadful loss for his family. -
Message 12
Posted by pinkchegirl (U8628830) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
I found this programme very hard to watch as my daughter died, aged 14 in April last year from luekemia. It was a very good programme and I feel it was well done. As for the cause of that wonderful boys death. A child with luekemia contracting NP has to be seen in a different context from a healthy person getting it. These children have no immune systems. They contract infections on a weekly basis. It is a major cause of death in children on treatment. Most of the infections they aquire are from within their own bodies. We all carry these bugs but we can fight them off. These children can not. Control of these infections is a major part of the treament regime and there are very strict protocols set down to combat them. But as I said, we are not dealing with healthy children but very very sick ones. I have known several children who have been 'well' in the morning and gone by the evening 'just like that'.
These children go through so very very much. They have to bear such a lot of pain and discomfort. I am, of course, not objective about this subject. I feel that I would like the public to know more about how cancer and its treatment and what it does to children. It is so often portrayed badly on television (look at the awful neighbours/lukemia plotline). I hope you will understand my need to rant!
Keep watching. -
Message 13
Posted by Izzy.R... (U6660949) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
I'm very sorry for your loss, Pinkchegirl.
These parents took the brave decision to allow their stories to be shown in the hope of educating us about childhood cancer, and perhaps getting more potential donors to come forward.
Because of this, I felt I had a duty to watch this documentary and, although I don't mind admitting I was in tears by the end, I'm very glad I did. The courage of the children is astounding, and makes one, as an adult, ashamed of complaining about the odd ache or pain. -
Message 14
Posted by Ding Dong Lilian on High (U5813576) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
I am so sorry, pinkchegirl.
I started this thread because I found the programme very well documented for the poorly children. The thing I didn't mention in my first message was the part the parents played. They were in the background all through the programme, except when they were actually speaking. How you must have gone through it.....and then to lose your child.
I can't begin to say how sorry I am. You must have suffered watching the programme, but I agree, more of this type of programme should be shown, however hard it is to watch. It is not entertainment, it is a very emotive subject, and it is nice to see the succesful results, but also the very sad result, as in Andrew's case.
I knew I would cry when I watched, but I got so involved with the children, I couldn't have turned off. It should have been a little earlier, so more would have probably watched.
Take care, pinkchegirl.
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Message 15
Posted by Oakie_Doke (U8505931) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
I found it very sad when his parents were describing his final hours, the pain he was suffering and when he asked his mum to kiss him. Very moving stuff and such brave children.
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Message 16
Posted by justkev (U8639059) on Wednesday, 13th June 2007
I also was very moved by the plight of these very poorly children who never know what the future holds for them.....especially in Andrew's case even for how long.
It made his remarks about maybe having to miss the whole hockey season all the more poignant when we find out, sadly, that he passed away.
My condolences to his parents for their loss but how proud they must be to have had such a wonderful son. -
Message 17
Posted by pinkchegirl (U8628830) on Thursday, 14th June 2007
Thank you for your kind comments about my daughter, they are appreciated.
Just to clear up - when I mentioned NP I meant NF so I hope that didnt cause too much confusion! (I couldnt be bothered to think how to spell the whole thing!)
To be honest I am not quite sure why I think people should watch this and try and understand what the families endure. I just know it feels important. Maybe someone watching this show will decide to sign up as a bone marrow donor and/or blood donor.
I am so glad the programme is not just a mawkish sob-fest but something that people can watch and remember (so far anyway).
Thanks again for your kind thoughts. -
Message 18
Posted by Ding Dong Lilian on High (U5813576) on Thursday, 14th June 2007
I think the programme has stirred things and brought the bone marrow donor to the fore.
Charlotte would not have survived without a transplant, and her donor was in Germany. I just caught the tailend of Yorkshire Calendar tonight, where a teenage boy, still in hospital, is hopefully recovering from leukaemia after a bonemarrow transplant. The final sentence was a request for people to put themselves on the donor list.
I'm very proud to say my son now 46, began donating blood when he was 18 and has been a regular donor ever since. He has donated about 70 units.....and when his dad was having regular transfusions for his bonemarrow cancer, he always said he would like to think he might have had his blood.
He is also on the list as a bonemarrow donor. The reason I am saying this, is you never know when you might need it yourself, and it doesn't take long to give blood......and you may never have to donate bonemarrow, but it must make you feel so proud to think you've helped to save someone's life.
Sorry to go on, but I do feel strongly about this.......and the bravery of the young sufferers and their parents.
I think you will realise pinkchegirl, that a lot of people have learned from the programme......and I hope there will be more of the same quality. -
Message 19
Posted by Ding Dong Lilian on High (U5813576) on Wednesday, 20th June 2007
I watched this programme again last night. Another two children were introduced from different hospitals.
A six years old girl at the beginning of her diagnosis, through treatments etc. until her first remission. She then had two years of chemo to face. It was touching when she lost her hair, so dad let her shave his off to be the same as her.
The boy faced three years of chemo at the same stage.
It was interesting that girls between the ages of 6 and 10 (I think it was, ) have a better chance of a cure than boys of the same age.
It was also encouraging that the percentage of children being cured is high.....but that won't make the parents who have children in the percentage who die feel better.
A very interesting, inspiring programme.
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Message 20
Posted by Tudorlover (U6421239) on Wednesday, 20th June 2007
I got quite emotionally involved with this - I was terrified that they were going to tell us one of them had passed away - as they did last week. The six year old girl was mature for her years and faced her treatment bravely and I admired the way the boy kept a smile on his face - even after he suffered a stroke. These poor children went through so much.
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Message 21
Posted by PrincessFiona (U2238932) on Wednesday, 20th June 2007
I watched this unintentionally but found I couldn't switch off. Ellie was beautiful, humorous in the face of adversity and articulate beyond her years, as was Andrew in light of his specific complications. I wondered though if the hospital staff who visited Ellie's class should have spoken to her whole school, given the teasing she endured in the playground. It wasn't particularly malicious, probably more a case of the other girls not really understanding and I thought Ellie dealt with it bravely at the time, only getting upset at home with her mum.
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Message 22
Posted by Miss Grouch (U5325110) on Wednesday, 20th June 2007
What channel is this on and when is it on next?
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Message 23
Posted by comfyMintCake (U8898554) on Wednesday, 4th July 2007
Hi everyone.
I have watched all 4 of these excellent and very sensitively produced programmes. I found them all very moving and sometimes very sad at times (especially in the first, with Andrew's death coming as such a great shock) ...but I think they were also very inspirational!!
I second the comment ....Well done BBC, & also well done to Leukaemia Research!
Thanks, as well, to "Lillian'sgirl" for starting this very necessary discussion. Did anyone else see all of the programmes? Does anybody have any more thoughts on the subject? I would like to continue with these exchanges of views on the series, if possible.
[By the way, my young child was treated for leukaemia (ALL) from 2001 to the end of 2004 and is doing fine at the moment although, as the last programme pointed out clearly, there is always the threat of relapse!] -
Message 24
Posted by Ding Dong Lilian on High (U5813576) on Wednesday, 4th July 2007
Thanks comfyMintCake.
I have watched all the programmes and got so involved with the children. I have cried a lot of the time, but feel so overwhelmed by their courage, stroppiness at times and naughtiness through what must have been such a boring time imprisoned in one small room for weeks on end.
The statistics show how many more children are cured now to not so many years ago. We have the lady posting on this thread ( I do apologise for not checking your name before I began this message, but I hadn't planned what I was going to say before I started ) who lost her daughter only recently, and you who hopefully has a daughter who will not have to go through any more treatment.
I thought what the mum said about the parents who have healthy children was a very true feeling. She was a lovely mum who felt angry that they didn't know how lucky they were.....but any mum watching this with healthy would be counting their blessings.
I did say earlier on this thread, the programme has brought bonemarrow transplants to the fore, and hopefully there will be more people volunteering their bonemarrow. The fact that the little girl didn't seem too put out when she had donated hers to her brother should help. But what an amusing comment from the "very grateful" brother who was frightened he was going to get her girlie characteristics! Typical, and he wouldn't give her a kiss when he eventually did return home, but he will be eternally grateful and very close to her as he grows up.
I think the series has finished now, but it was so well presented and sympathetically commentated by Dirva ( I think that's right) I think it could be repeated later, but also other series planned. Anything to highlight the children, parents, Consultants, nurses and anyone else involved with this horrible disease.
Very well done BBC. -
Message 25
Posted by comfyMintCake (U8898554) on Wednesday, 4th July 2007
By the way also please have a look at these 2 websites:
www.leukaemia.org/ab...
&
www.lrf.org.uk/en/1/... -
Message 26
Posted by comfyMintCake (U8898554) on Wednesday, 4th July 2007
I think you are right "Milky Joe (aka Trifon Ivanov) part 2" (in message 4)
[Couldn't you think of a longer name?! ]
As you say, it is good that they showed "both the tragic side through death and the heart warming side of survival".
After all, "80% cured" also means 1 in 5 children not cured, and they showed 9 patients in the series. -
Message 27
Posted by comfyMintCake (U8898554) on Wednesday, 4th July 2007
I think you are right also "PrincessFiona" (in message 21)
I think the people that visited Elle's school should have spoken to the whole school. Possibly that could have made a difference but, sadly, I suspect that human nature being what it is with some people (even children) ...maybe not!
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Message 28
Posted by Eileen Dover (U7676842) on Sunday, 23rd March 2008
Remember this programme which was shown last year and how everyone was moved by the sudden death of the young Scottish boy Andrew Stewart from complications associated with leukemia. Some might be interested to know that he and his surviving twin brother have just been awarded the title of Young Scots of the Year 2008 for the charity work done in his name. A full report here.
www.sundaymail.co.uk... -
Message 29
Posted by Ding Dong Lilian on High (U5813576) on Sunday, 23rd March 2008
Eileen, thank you for this. Reading it sent shivers down my spine. I remember seeing Andrew so well. He was such a lovely, thoughtful boy, and he obviously has a twin out of the same mould. It is so good to hear they have won this award. We hear so much about the yob cult thease days, and not enough about all the youngsters who live good, thoughtful lives.
Thank you very much Eileen.
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Message 30
Posted by madauntydawn (U6675998) on Sunday, 23rd March 2008
What a shame they didn't print a photo, though I saw the programme, I cannot remember his face.
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Message 31
Posted by Ding Dong Lilian on High (U5813576) on Sunday, 23rd March 2008
I remember his face...looking at the picture of his twin Jamie, I seem to remember Andrew having a rounder face, but similar to Jamie....who has done very well coping with the loss of his twin.
This series is a repeat I would welcome. Although there were very sad stories, there were some happy endings, and a lot of people missed an excellent series of programmes. -
Message 32
Posted by madauntydawn (U6675998) on Sunday, 23rd March 2008
I see what you mean Lilian'sgirl, when I first clicked on the link, I didn't get the photo, but I have now thanks.
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Message 33
Posted by auntshiela (U7775513) on Sunday, 23rd March 2008
Many thanks for the link. It was a series with impact. I was terribly shocked at what happened to Andrew. Such an impressive young man. I wish his family well.
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Message 34
Posted by comfyMintCake (U8898554) on Wednesday, 9th April 2008
Hi again all,
I have just had a look at the message board, after not having looked at it for some time now. (sorry! …
)
Thanks very much, Eileen, for pointing us to the Young Scots Of The Year 2008 Award article, and to Lilian'sgirl for your considerate response (as ever).
You may also like to look at these 3 links, if you haven’t seen them before:
www.lrf.org.uk/en/1/... , www.lrf.org.uk/en/1/... & www.dunfermlinehocke...
Very Best Wishes to all, and especially to Jamie and his family as you say, auntsheila, and to “Team Andy Stewart”! – well done …
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Message 35
Posted by comfyMintCake (U8898554) on Monday, 16th February 2009
Hi All,
Have you seen this petition?
Website at:-
petitions.number10.g...
"We the undersigned petition the Prime Minister to promote awareness of the biggest killer of Children, Teenagers and Young Adults - LEUKAEMIA."
(And provide research funding from Government).
Please think about signing it. The more signatories we get the better! Over 700 in about 2 weeks so far.
What do you think?
Ken.
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Message 36
Posted by Ding Dong Lilian on High (U5813576) on Monday, 16th February 2009
I've signed it comfyMintCake.
Thank you for giving me the link. Hopefully it will help to get more funding. -
Message 37
Posted by demirosie_1234 (U13827803) on Tuesday, 17th February 2009
i havent watched this programme i saw the thread and wanted to leave a message anyway, the programmes i have watched about children with cancer have been very thought provoking,i remember watching a film about bob champion and his fight against cancer and it reminded me of something he said in the film he said if ever your feeling down yourself go and visit the childrens cancer ward and it brings things into perspective for u,ive never forgotten that,i find children deal with illness weather its cancer or something else very postively and we as adults can learn a lot from them.
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Message 38
Posted by comfyMintCake (U8898554) on Wednesday, 18th February 2009
Thanks very much Lilian'sgirl for signing the petition. It is quite an important petition, I believe.
(Not like some others on that website - just my opinion!)
You are so right, demirosie, that seeing how children fight cancer really puts things 'in perspective'. I have heard many people say that they grow up so much more quickly while on treatment.
By the way, please all have a look at this link also, if you haven't seen it already:
www.pbs.org/independ...
The film was shown in this country a while ago on BBC4 (in Aug. 2007, I believe). I missed it at the time. I think it is high time it was shown again! (And maybe on BBC1 or BBC2 this time!)
Best Wishes,
cMC -
Message 39
Posted by comfyMintCake (U8898554) on Tuesday, 24th February 2009
petitions.number10.g...
Please remember to click on the link emailed back to you to complete your signing (then you will see your name at the bottom of the list) and please pass on to family, friends and work colleagues.
Thanks very much to all who have signed allready.
Best Wishes,
Ken.
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Message 40
Posted by Boz-pot (who longs for extended opening hours) (U13846224) on Wednesday, 25th February 2009
(Although I have replied to this particular post, this is just a general comment and not meant to cause any offence)
Though I agree with all the positive comments made about this programme, I have always taken issue with the word 'battle' in conjunction with cancer. I had cancer ten years ago at the age of 15, and I can't say I ever 'battled' it. I lacked the energy and the inclination to think of my treatment as a war on the disease. I just got on with it - I had to. It was either that or eventual death. A year of my life was spent feeling dreadful, and living mostly on a hospital ward; it felt like a prison sentence, not a heroic struggle. -
Message 41
Posted by comfyMintCake (U8898554) on Thursday, 26th February 2009
Thanks for your reply Boz-pot. No offence taken, of course.
I think you are right. However people describe it, I also believe the experience is dreadful (to put it mildly) and anyone personally involved has to get on with it, as you say. It is like a prison sentence, which you are forced to endure until the end. The only other option is to give up, which you obviously didn't do. Good for you!
I think the description of "fighting" cancer (which was used for this series of programmes) is just their way of saying that they think you need to have a positive attitude.
I wish you all the very best for the future.
[By the way, have you read the book "It's Not About The Bike" by Lance Armstrong? I think he is a tremendously strong character, and gives some very profound advice in that book.]
Best Wishes,
cMC
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Message 42
Posted by comfyMintCake (U8898554) on Friday, 13th March 2009
1000-up! Thanks to all ...but we need many more names to be noticed!!!
Please sign!!!
petitions.number10.g...
Best Wishes,
Ken. x
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Message 43
Posted by comfyMintCake (U8898554) on Wednesday, 1st April 2009
There are 1,319 signatures on the petition now but we need many more!
Please join us and sign!!
Also please remember to click on the link emailed back to you to complete your signing (then you will see just your name, as you typed it, at the bottom of the list) and please pass on to family, friends and work colleagues.
Thanks very much to all who have signed already.
petitions.number10.g...
Best Wishes,
Ken. x
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Message 44
Posted by Ding Dong Lilian on High (U5813576) on Wednesday, 1st April 2009
I would have thought anyone with or without children would think this a worthwhile petition, and it's so easy to do.
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Message 45
Posted by comfyMintCake (U8898554) on Monday, 11th May 2009
Another reminder ......Please sign!
Nearing 2000 now!! - nowhere near enough ...yet!!
petitions.number10.g...
[NB: Also please remember to click on the link emailed back to you to complete your signing (then you will see just your name, as you typed it, at the bottom of the list) and please pass on the info. to family, friends and work colleagues.]
Best Wishes to all,
Ken.
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