A seven year old girl has amazed her family and doctors after returning to school having waged a three year long battle against life-changing cancer. Nora Carter was diagnosed with a cancer of the kidney at just four years old in January 2020, after her family thought she was suffering from appendicitis and a urine infection.
Nora first became sick in late 2019 following a bout of vomiting, but following a visit to the GP her mum Gemma was told it was likely she had a urine infection and was given antibiotics. However things took a turn for the worst in January 2020, when she collapsed in her bedroom at her home in Dursley, Gloucestershire.
She was rushed to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital to undergo tests, and then was referred to to Bristol Children’s Hospital for what medics thought was a burst appendix. However, surgery soon revealed that Nora had a large tumour in the cavity which had attached itself to her kidney and the family were given the devastating news that Nora had stage 3 Wilms Tumour.
Speaking about the night Nora collapsed, Gemma said: "I think she was trying to make it into my bedroom, but didn’t get there, she looked terrible, and although she could talk, I knew then things were serious. Nora had a nasal gastric tube fitted for all her feeds and oral meds and as the nurses came out to our home, her older brother Franklin saw what was going on, looking back now it has really hit us how this has affected and changed all of us.
"We all had to shield and make sure we didn’t expose Nora to any further harm. Franklin was age six at the time and we kept him out of school pre-pandemic as the news of Covid had meant we didn’t want to risk anything.
"I worry about her fertility as there is no telling if she will be able to have children when she is older. Living under this pressure it has made us realise that you have to make the most of today and children teach us to live in the moment."
When the tumour was found, it had ruptured and attached itself to Nora's diaphragm, arteries, liver and filled her abdominal cavity. Following a nine-hour operation, where the tumour and adrenal gland were removed, Nora then had to undergo three different types of chemotherapy followed by radiotherapy, in what was then the height of the pandemic.
Nora is now dealing with type 1 diabetes and coeliac disease, both autoimmune diseases, which have followed her diagnosis. Thankfully, Nora, now seven, has now returned to school, ballet and has been awarded a Cancer Research UK for Children and Young People a Star Award.
The award, in partnership with TK Maxx, recognises Nora's courage she has shown throughout her treatment and her brother, Franklin, has also been awarded in recognition of the support he has given his little sister. For her reward, Nora will receive a star shaped trophy a TK Maxx gift card, t-shirt and a certificate signed by celebrities.
Cancer Research UK spokesperson for the South West, Alison Birkett, said: “Nora is a real star who has been through so much at such a young age. It has been an absolute privilege to be able to celebrate her courage with a Star Award.
"As we mark our 20th anniversary, we’re reflecting on the progress made in the fight against the disease, but there’s still much further to go. Cancer in children and young people is different to cancer in adults, from the types of cancer to the impact of treatment - and many youngsters may experience serious long-term side effects.
"That’s why we’re supporting dedicated research to ensure more children and young people survive cancer with a good quality of life. We’re urging people in the region to nominate inspirational children like Nora for a Star Award now, so that many more affected by this devastating disease can receive the acknowledgement they so richly deserve.”
