David McLaughlin

Strike a Chord for Cancer Foundation Making life better by striking a chord in someones heart

A Letter From David's Mum and Dad...May 2009:

David was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia July 23rd 2008. It was just before his 12th birthday. We knew he wasn't quite himself. He hadn't had the same energy as before. He is sports mad and has played basketball since he was 6 years of age, he was also member of the local Swimming Club and loves going to the footy when his Dad can take him.

Last July he had got quite pale and he had stomach pain the weekend before going back to school, but hadn't said much about it as he felt guilty for drinking a large bottle of coke! Not something he did much of or we encouraged. It was the 1st day back at school from the winter holidays but he insisted we went to the Emergency Department rather than our GP as the pain was severe. They knew from his blood test that there was something wrong and phoned us the next day to go straight to 3b. The Oncology Ward at Princess Margaret Hospital. So it was nothing to do with drinking the coke after all.

From then on, it was a whirlwind rollercoaster ride. Anaesthetics, Lumber Punctures, Bone marrow biopsy's, Insertion of a port under the skin of his chest for Intravenous infusion. (it is still there so far......May 09). Then began the treatment. Chemotherapy into everywhere possible. Intravenous, Intrathecal (injections directly into the cerebrospinal fluid), Intramuscular and Oral. Being over 10 years it takes him into an age where more intense and longer treatment is needed.

David faced all of this with such bravery and maturity. His outlook was always positive as we have been told it is almost always curable. He maintained a sense of humour throughout. The 1st 2 months were very difficult for him as he suffered almost unbearable abdominal pain but didn't complain. His therapy then went smoothly and David only had 3 unexpected admissions for raised temperatures. The only time I can really remember David feeling down was after he needed a nasal gastric tube passed to give him supplemental feeds as he was not able to eat and had lost too much weight. He found that really challenging to have it passed. He still has the tube in, but we are hoping to get that out in the beginning of June if not before!

David is now onto a maintenance therapy which means monthly visits to the unit and oral medication for two and a half years. Still iv's & lumber punctures but it is no longer weekly or sometimes 3 times a week or 5 day stays as it was before.

We have been given great support from all the staff in the 3B Oncology Unit at PMH (they are all very special and all good at what they do), friends, family, Support Groups and now Strike a Chord for Cancer.

Music can be such an inspirational and healing thing. He has been given an electric guitar, amp and music lessons. It is helping to give him enthusiasm. He has wanted to learn the electric guitar for 3 years. Strike a Chord has helped with that. They are even including David's older brother Calum.

You are doing a great job boys. Thank you.

Michael & Anne McLaughlin.