A teenager who visited the dentist with toothache was diagnosed with life-threatening blood cancer that could have claimed his life within weeks.
Ethan Harrison, 19, booked a dental appointment after complaining that both his upper and lower right wisdom teeth were causing him pain in May this year. He assumed he had a tooth infection and anticipated simply having the teeth extracted, but was instead urgently referred to his GP after the dentist spotted a swollen lymph node.
Following blood tests carried out by his GP, Ethan was rushed to Chesterfield Royal Hospital where he received a diagnosis of acute myeloid leukaemia — a rare form of cancer affecting the blood and bone marrow. Medics informed him that had he not attended hospital when he did — just four days after his dental visit — he would have had only three weeks left to live.
Ethan, from South Wingfield, Derbys., is currently too unwell to speak, but his mum, Roxy Bond, 37, says the family considers themselves "incredibly lucky" that the cancer was detected when it was. She said: "He had been suffering with a toothache for the past month before we went to the dentist. He'd been having a few different symptoms, like shortness of breath, a fever and a swollen lymph node the size of a golf ball on the left side of his neck which formed whilst he was on holiday in Cyprus the week before. We just put it all down to the tooth thinking it might be infected, but then the dentist saw the swollen lymph node and said he needed to be looked at by a doctor."
She continued: "We went to the GP, they did a blood test and the results came back 12 hours later. They said his levels were all over the place and we were told we needed to get to A&E immediately. We were rushed through at the hospital because the doctors and nurses already knew it was probably leukaemia. When the diagnosis came it was very surreal and just very, very unexpected. The team at the hospital said if he hadn't come in he would have only had a few weeks to live. It felt like a story you'd hear about someone else, not your son."
Roxy revealed that her son began chemotherapy treatment last week, acknowledging that his recuperation will be a "long process" while confirming the cancer is "very curable". Ethan, who works as a forklift driver, has been hospitalised since May 17, with his friends launching a crowdfunding campaign to support his recovery. She said: "It could be about a year before Ethan returns to full health, depending on how his body reacts and he'll be in the hospital more than he's home during that time. We're expecting four rounds of chemotherapy. He started the first one last week, he'll be in for a month, being treated twice a day with two different drugs. He's never been in a hospital before and now he's having bone marrow biopsies, PICC lines inserted and constant blood tests. He's reacted so far with a sense of humour, nothing's phased him. All he'll say is, 'What an inconvenience'. We're a very positive family and he's been brilliant. I'm so proud of how he's handling it."
Ethan, who previously studied at agriculture college, has been forced to take sick leave from his role at Lockwood Haulage near Ambergate, Derbys. Roxy explains the diagnosis has completely disrupted family life, with the business consultant postponing the start of a new role to remain at the hospital. She said: "I'll be there day and night. As horrible as the situation is, Ethan and I enjoy spending time together. We're watching films, colouring and keeping busy – there's always another doctor or nurse to talk to." At home, husband Chris, 52, is managing things with Ethan's siblings William, 18, and Gracie, 12. Roxy said: "It's had a ripple effect on everything but I don't think anyone can really believe it yet. Cancer's never been a thing in our family. It has shown how much support we have around us though. Everyone has been super shocked but offering so much help."
Ethan's mates who have launched a fundraising drive have already collected nearly £3,500 within a week. Friend Livinia Wragg said: "Despite everything that has been thrown at him, Ethan continues to amaze us every single day. Anyone who knows him will know exactly the kind of person he is - kind, caring, funny, witty and unbelievably generous. Somehow, even through all of this, he is still managing to stay positive and keep us smiling." Those wanting to contribute to the GoFundMe appeal can visit: gofundme.com/f/ethans-journey-through-leukaemia.
