PF.TOP STORY: A journey defined by strength and hope—Archer’s recovery story inspires resilience at every step

On 30 December 2021, just two days before the New Year, Archer’s parents, Jade and Adam, received the news no parent should ever have to hear. Their two-year-old son had been diagnosed with high-risk neuroblastoma, a rare and aggressive childhood cancer. What followed was a journey filled with heartache, hope, and an incredible amount of resilience, as Archer fought for his life with the unwavering support of his family and medical team.

Early Signs: A Growing Concern

Archer’s symptoms began gradually, and like many parents, Jade initially chalked them up to the usual challenges of a toddler navigating the world. However, when Archer started showing signs of illness that didn’t seem to resolve—especially his morning sickness and a sudden phobia of water—Jade’s concern grew. He became more clingy, lost his appetite, and appeared increasingly fatigued.

“We thought it was a phase, or maybe something to do with lockdown, but deep down I knew something was wrong,” Jade reflects. “It wasn’t until he started struggling to walk and would fall side to side that I knew we had to get to the bottom of it.”

A Suspicious Lump and a Family’s Fear

In the days leading up to Christmas 2021, a lump appeared on Archer’s abdomen. Initially, doctors thought it was a hernia, but the lump persisted. The family was advised to wait for a referral, and Christmas passed in a subdued haze as Archer’s condition worsened. When Archer’s pain escalated, Jade rushed him to A&E, where they were immediately referred for further testing.

Within days, Archer underwent ultrasounds and an MRI. That’s when they were given the devastating news. “The doctors used the word tumour before they said cancer. That’s when it hit us,” Jade recalls. Archer was immediately placed on an emergency list for a biopsy, and a Hickman line was inserted to begin treatment.

A Difficult Diagnosis: Neuroblastoma

The diagnosis was confirmed: Archer had high-risk neuroblastoma, a form of cancer that often affects young children. Worse still, Archer’s cancer had spread to his bone marrow. His prognosis was grim, but Jade and Adam were determined to fight for their son.

Archer was started on chemotherapy, which included the aggressive COJEC regimen designed specifically for neuroblastoma. The chemotherapy was tough on Archer’s little body, but it was the first step in trying to shrink the tumour enough for surgery.

Surgery and the Struggles that Followed

On 18 August 2022, Archer underwent a major abdominal surgery to remove the tumour, which was located near his kidney. The operation was complicated by the fact that Archer’s tumour had caused significant damage to his organs, and the surgical team had to remove his tumour alongside a kidney that had become nonfunctional. The surgery was a success, but it came with serious complications.

Following the surgery, Archer spent six weeks intubated in the ICU. The medical team struggled to keep him sedated, and Archer fought against the sedatives, even managing to extubate himself on a few occasions. His condition was delicate, and his family feared the worst as they watched him battle against the effects of the surgery.

But even in the face of such adversity, Archer’s feisty spirit shone through. He defied the odds and began to show signs of improvement, though his journey was far from over.

A Near Miss: Pulmonary Embolism and a Miracle

Two weeks after Archer’s tracheostomy, he suffered a pulmonary embolism, a life-threatening complication that caused his lungs to fill with blood. Archer’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and his family was told that they might not have much time left with him. The doctors did everything they could to stabilize him, and after an agonizing few hours, Archer pulled through.

“We were told to prepare for the worst,” Jade says. “But Archer just kept fighting. He’s such a strong little boy. We don’t know how he did it, but he survived.”

The next few months were filled with challenges, but with each setback, Archer grew stronger. His family’s hope never wavered, and they continued to push forward, supporting Archer every step of the way.

A New Beginning: The Road to Recovery

In December 2022, Archer had a stem cell transplant, which marked a major milestone in his treatment. Despite the severe side effects, including weight loss, hair loss, and the need for a feeding tube, Archer remained remarkably resilient. He even managed to fit in some family day trips before heading back to the hospital for high-dose chemotherapy.

Throughout his recovery, Archer faced many challenges, including continued difficulty with eating and mobility. He spent time in the hospital for various procedures, including a PEG tube replacement and treatment for the flu. But through it all, Archer kept his fighting spirit alive.

“We had so many hard days, but Archer’s determination never ceased to amaze us,” Jade shares. “He has been through so much, but every time, he bounced back. He’s an inspiration.”

Celebrating Life: A Christmas Miracle

In December 2023, after months of treatment, Archer’s doctors were pleased to announce that his scans were clear. He had made an incredible recovery, and his family was overjoyed to celebrate Christmas together, something they had feared might never happen.

“It was the best Christmas we could have asked for,” Jade says with tears in her eyes. “After everything Archer had been through, to have him with us, healthy, was a miracle. It felt like we had been given the gift of time, and we are so grateful.”

Looking Ahead: Archer’s Future

As of February 2024, Archer continues his recovery, completing the final rounds of chemotherapy. He is now able to play, laugh, and enjoy life as any child should. Archer’s journey has been long, difficult, and filled with uncertainty, but through it all, he has shown the strength and resilience of a true fighter. His family continues to stand by him, cherishing every moment.

“Archer has already shown more strength than any adult I know,” Jade says. “We don’t know what the future holds, but we will take each day as it comes and continue to fight for his future. He is our little miracle.”

A Call for Action: Supporting Research and Hope

Archer’s family is passionate about raising awareness and funding research for childhood cancers like neuroblastoma. The support they’ve received has been invaluable, but they know that more needs to be done to ensure that children like Archer have a brighter, healthier future.

“No child should have to face what Archer has faced,” Jade says. “But thanks to the amazing research and treatment, he’s here today. We need to continue funding and supporting these life-saving efforts so that more children can survive and thrive.”