Sarah, 40, and Ross Cooper, 44, were sitting at the dining table with their two children when Ross spotted a “crescent-shaped reflection” in his three-year-old son’s eye
The parents of a toddler who noticed an unusual reflection in his eye have described how the revelation led to a life-changing diagnosis.
Sarah, 40, and Ross Cooper, 44, were sitting at the dining table with their two children when Ross spotted a “crescent-shaped reflection” in his three-year-old son’s eye. Worried Sarah started taking photos of little Thomas’ eye and his parents quickly booked an appointment with an optician.
After the emergency appointment the tot was rushed to Birmingham Children’s Hospital when the optician saw a sinister white mass in his eyeball. Doctors at the hospital diagnosed little Thomas with stage D retinoblastoma – a type of eye cancer where the tumour has spread throughout the retina and eyeball.
The brave youngster has since undergone investigations such as a lumbar puncture, a bone marrow extraction and treatments including chemotherapy. He is currently getting laser therapy to kill the cancer cells while doctors are trying to decide if he will need more treatment.
His parents have described the terrifying moment they learned their young son had the disease. Customer service manager Sarah, rom Warrington, Cheshire, said: “You say deep down that you know it is cancer but when you get told the news it breaks you. Hearing that our son had cancer was devastating. Although we had our suspicions, nothing really prepared us, and we felt numb and overwhelmed.
“To be totally honest we also felt scared and angry, particularly when we began to discuss Thomas’ treatment plan.” The family had been sitting around the dinner table on Bonfire Night 2023 when dad Ross noticed a strange mirror-like reflection in Thomas’ eye. Ross, a software engineer, said: “He didn’t have any symptoms – it was all really by chance.
“We were sat down for a meal and just by chance Thomas sat in the chair where I would usually sit and I sat opposite him. While we were having dinner, I noticed that when Thomas looked towards Sarah he had a reflection in his eye. It was a crescent-shaped mirror reflection – I instantly thought it was odd.”
Ross told his wife and the concerned couple started taking photos of Thomas’ eye. In May 2023, their goddaughter’s brother was diagnosed with retinoblastoma so the couple said they knew “deep down” that Thomas had cancer. Sarah said: “I sent the photos to the opticians who diagnosed my goddaughter’s brother. I got a message back straight away saying the photos were shared with the optician and they would have a look ASAP.
“An hour later we got a call to say the optician was coming in and we were asked if we could get there.” The optician noticed a white mass in Thomas’ eye and referred Thomas to Birmingham Children’s Hospital where they were booked for an appointment the following day on, November 10, 2023.
Later that afternoon, doctors told Sarah and Ross that Thomas had a grade D retinoblastoma. Sarah said: “They did an examination and whilst he was in recovery they broke the news to us. You say deep down that you know but when you get told the news it breaks you. They talk you through the different treatment options and they give you a choice but you sit there thinking that this isn’t a choice.
“It is difficult for any parent to make a decision around your child.” Thomas then underwent a lumber puncture and bone marrow extraction – procedures that involve getting a sample for testing – on November 14, 2023. The following week Thomas started four rounds of chemotherapy. He then underwent three rounds of chemotherapy that was inserted directly into his eye before he started cryotherapy.
Sarah said: “Treatment started mid-November, Thomas had his central line inserted on Ross’ birthday. Christmas was around the corner, but it felt like a burden rather than something to celebrate. Before Thomas’ diagnosis, we arranged to spend the festive period with my family, staying in converted barns. The medical team encouraged us to go, if Thomas was well enough, and ensured we had a referral for the local oncology department in case of emergency.
“As difficult as it was for us as parents, it was important to us that Thomas and Evelyn had as near-to-normal a Christmas as possible.” Thomas is currently undergoing laser therapy – to kill the cancer cells – and doctors are currently deciding his next steps.
Throughout the treatment, both parents say that Thomas has been “resilient” and “inspiring”. Ross said: “Thomas hasn’t had an easy time since his diagnosis and his treatment isn’t over yet, but he has overcome many challenges, and he continues to smile his perfect cheeky smile. Thomas is attending preschool and is hitting all milestones. So far, it is understood that Thomas’ vision has been impaired only slightly and it’s hoped that the patching therapy that he’s currently undergoing will help to improve this.”
Richard Ashton, Chief Executive of CHECT said: “Retinoblastoma is rare, with around one baby or young child being diagnosed in the UK each week. Symptoms can be quite subtle, and children often seem well in themselves which can make it hard to recognise that anything is wrong. In just under half of all cases, a child must have an eye removed as part of their treatment. We are grateful that in Thomas’ case, his symptoms were recognised so that he could receive treatment.
“If you are worried that a child you know may have retinoblastoma, please get them seen by a GP or optician ASAP. Contact the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust support team at support@chect.org.uk and they will provide you with information to take along to your appointment.”
