'Look for the signs' Mum of two-year-old boy with retinoblastoma urges parents to know the symptoms

The mum of a two-year-old boy with retinoblastoma urges parents to look for the signs in their young children.
Lauren Barker and her son, 2-year-old FrankieLauren Barker and her son, 2-year-old Frankie
Lauren Barker and her son, 2-year-old Frankie

Lauren Barker, from South Kirkby, noticed something wasn't quite right with her son, Frankie, while looking at a family photograph.

It showed one of Frankie’s pupils white in comparison to the red reflex on everyone else's eyes, due to the flash.

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Lauren said: “Frankie has always been a typical adventurous boy and was walking from nine months and running at the age of one.

"Last year I continued to notice that his left pupil was consistently the one that was reflecting white""Last year I continued to notice that his left pupil was consistently the one that was reflecting white"
"Last year I continued to notice that his left pupil was consistently the one that was reflecting white"

“Frankie has otherwise always been medically quite a well child, but I continued to notice that his left pupil was consistently the one that was reflecting white.

“He also started walking into things and stepping on his toys. I knew something wasn’t quite right.”

Retinoblastoma is a rare type of cancer that can quickly develop due to the light-detecting tissue of the eye.

Almost all cases are found in young children.

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A few years before Frankie was born, Lauren had watched a documentary about Birmingham Children's Hospital, in which they discussed white reflexes as a symptom of eye problems.

Lauren said: “Although persevering for around a year to get a professional opinion, this proved difficult due to Frankie appearing developmentally well."

Finally, on March 5, Frankie was diagnosed with bilateral retinoblastoma after a second examination under anaesthetic, meaning he has cancerous tumours in both of his eyes.

“This type of retinoblastoma is hereditary and seems to have occurred in Frankie's own genetics as a mutation, which will put him at greater risk of developing other cancers throughout his life, and his children will have a 50 per cent chance of developing the cancer also," Lauren said.

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“I just want people to know that if they notice symptoms to seek advice from a health professional, including squints and white glows in their eyes on photos, change in iris colour, red or swollen eye without infection.

“This type of cancer usually occurs in those under six, and is typically diagnosed under the age of two, the earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treated the higher the chance of saving their child's eyesight and stopping it spreading further.

“Especially in the current climate, it is so important if you have a baby with symptoms no matter how young or old, to ask for an opinion of a health professional even if that means sending an email."

Frankie’s vision in his left eye is almost entirely lost, but Lauren hopes that the vision in his right eye can be salvaged so he can get back to his football lessons.

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Lauren said: “I am just thankful that he has finally been diagnosed, he has a long road ahead of treatment - he is receiving chemotherapy, laser treatment and cryotherapy to reduce the tumours and we are not sure of the definiteness.”