Toddler's Brain Tumour Initially Misdiagnosed as Chest Infection by GPs
An Essex mother has revealed that her three-year-old son, Frank, was diagnosed with a rare brain tumour after three separate GP visits incorrectly attributed his symptoms to infections. Emily Cable, 30, a former retail worker, described the harrowing journey that began in April 2024 when Frank, then aged one, first showed signs of fatigue and irritability.
Progression of Symptoms and Misdiagnoses
Within two weeks, Frank's condition deteriorated to include breathlessness, prompting a visit to a private GP who diagnosed a chest infection and prescribed a five-day course of antibiotics. Despite this treatment, his symptoms worsened rapidly, leading to vomiting and extreme lethargy. Emily's husband, Josh, took Frank to their local GP on two additional occasions, where medical professionals believed the issues were due to a viral infection.
Less than 24 hours after the third appointment, Frank experienced a massive seizure in his mother's arms, an event that Emily described as completely out of the blue. This emergency prompted his rushed admission to Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford, where a CT scan and X-ray were conducted.
Diagnosis and Emergency Treatment
The scans revealed a large tumour at the back of Frank's head, along with significant fluid build-up. Diagnosed on May 23, 2024, at just 15 months old, Frank had a rare form of cancer called an ependymoma. Due to the risk of stroke or further seizures from the fluid accumulation, he was placed in an induced coma and transferred via intensive care ambulance to Great Ormond Street Hospital (GOSH) in London.
Emily recounted the terrifying moment of diagnosis, noting that the hospital staff had prepared a room with chairs in a circle and tissues, signaling the gravity of the news. Frank underwent life-saving surgery immediately upon arrival at GOSH, followed by an 11-hour operation less than a week later to remove the tumour. Emily described this period as the longest day of her life, filled with anxiety as she awaited updates while separated from her daughters, Olivia and Sofia, aged 9 and 7.
Treatment and Recovery Journey
Following the successful surgery, Frank began a course of proton beam therapy at University College London Hospital in June 2024, a highly targeted radiotherapy treatment. The daily sessions over six weeks took a toll, causing exhaustion, loss of appetite, and the need for a feeding tube. By the end of 2024, scans confirmed Frank was in remission, a moment Emily celebrated with tears of relief among friends and other school mothers.
However, the treatments impacted Frank's development, delaying his ability to talk and walk until November 2025, when he started using a walking frame. Today, Frank continues to require regular hospital visits and scans over the next decade to monitor his health.
Family Resilience and Hospital Support
Emily praised the medical teams at Broomfield Hospital and GOSH for their incredible support, highlighting the play specialists who helped build trust and comfort for Frank during his recovery. She emphasized the importance of maintaining normalcy for her family, cherishing milestones like Frank's first steps and words as precious victories.
The family is now supporting GOSH Charity's initiative to raise funds for a new Children's Cancer Centre, using sculptures woven from replica chemotherapy wires at Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Emily reflected on their journey, stating that while life has changed forever, they focus on every positive moment, grateful for Frank's resilience and the medical care that saved his life.
