A mother from Cumbernauld has described feeling 'numb' after her 14-year-old son was diagnosed with an extremely rare form of cancer. Nicole Kidd's son Carter initially suffered from a sore shoulder before being diagnosed with ALK-negative anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) in October last year. The family now faces an agonizing wait to determine if his condition is terminal.
Rare Cancer Diagnosis
ALK-negative ALCL is a rare, fast-growing type of T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma, typically affecting adults over 50, according to Macmillan. Nicole's local doctors have indicated they are unlikely to see such a unique case in someone as young as Carter again.
'Your mind is just numb... He has been so resilient and so strong, he has never cried about it or complained about it,' Nicole said. 'He has been through so many treatments, and the side effects have been horrendous for him, but he still powers on.'
Treatment and Uncertainty
Since his diagnosis, Carter has undergone chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which his mother says 'isn't working'. The results of a PET scan scheduled for June 26 will determine whether Carter has responded to further treatment, which aims to bring the condition under control enough for a life-saving stem cell transplant.
Nicole explained that if Carter responds well, a stem cell donor is ready. However, if not, his condition may be terminal. The family had previously prepared for a transplant, but it was cancelled after discovering the cancer had spread.
'If we can get the disease under control, the only cure for Carter is to get him a transplant. He has a donor who's a perfect match, but if the disease isn't under control, they can't go ahead,' Nicole said. 'That's what kills you the most, is that you just don't know what's ahead.'
Family's Hope and Fundraising
The family is hoping for positive scan results so they can plan for the future. A GoFundMe page has been set up to create special memories for Carter, including a trip to London's football stadiums. Nicole added: 'We're just waiting to see what the scan results are and then we can start making plans for his future and see the things that he wants to see.'
Carter, a Rangers fan, has been staying up late to watch Scotland in the World Cup and was delighted by their win. He has two younger sisters, Esmée (6) and Autumn (2), and an eight-year-old stepsister, Esme, who miss him while he is in hospital.
'Carter is witty, funny and kind, and an amazing big brother and great example to his younger sisters,' Nicole said. 'We are immensely proud and grateful to have him in our lives and will forever keep his name out there and continue to raise awareness.'
