Tearful moment girl, 16, pulls out clumps of hair to share devastating reality of cancer after mistaking it for bug bite
A SCHOOLGIRL has shared the “devastating” reality of cancer in a heartbreaking home video.
Raw and heartbreaking footage shows Asha Patel pulling clumps of hair out in tears before shaving her head during gruelling treatment.
The 16-year-old, from Diss, Norfolk, was diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgkin Lymphoma – a type of blood cancer that affects blood cells called lymphocytes – earlier this year.
She noticed a small lump on the side of her neck, which her dad initially believed was an infected insect bite.
But when it grew to the size of a golf ball, Asha was rushed to hospital for emergency biopsies and scans.
These revealed Asha had cancer, which had spread to her lungs and spleen.
The family were told there was a 90 per cent chance of a cure but she would need chemotherapy.
Asha, who has been inundated with support from family and friends after posting her video, said she cut her hair off when it started to fall out during her first few rounds.
She added: “It was devastating and deeply emotional losing my hair because it also signified the start of my cancer journey and the unknown challenges that lay ahead.
“I knew there was no going back, and I had a big battle ahead of me.
“Besides the lump on my neck, this was the first physical sign that I had cancer, which was both scary and emotional.”
The teenager said she wanted to share her story to support anyone else going through a similar experience.
Asha, who can be seen in tears as she pulls out huge clumps of hair, added: “Having cancer is a very lonely journey, and especially as a teenager, where cancer is probably less talked about and less documented.
“I wanted to show what it was like to go through treatment and lose your hair, which for many people is a part of that process which can be devastating.”
Asha’s dad Jayesh, who comforts his daughter in the video, said: “People don’t really see what cancer is like, and losing your hair is probably the first visual signs that someone is not well.
“For anyone, that can be a very traumatic experience, but for a teenager like Asha, and to see your daughter go through it, it was just heartbreaking.
“Asha had gone for a wig fitting that day and that was when she decided she wanted to take control and the best way she could
do that was by cutting her hair off.
“But to then film it as a way of offering support is such a brave thing to do and I’m so proud of her.”
Even now, cancer hasn’t wiped that gorgeous smile off her face
Jayesh
Asha’s cancer diagnosis came out of the blue in February when she felt a small lump above her shoulder blade.
“At first we thought she had been bitten by an insect which had become infected,” Jayesh said.
“But after a scan, the consultant showed us some startling images which revealed small tumours dotted throughout Asha’s body.
“It was so shocking and upsetting to see.”
Asha’s cancer had spread to her lungs and spleen, and doctors said she needed to start treatment right away.
“It was really hard and exhausting,” she said.
Jayesh added: “It was an extremely difficult and stressful time for the family.
“Not only was Asha fighting cancer but at the same time, I was admitted into hospital with severe colitis.”
Asha had chemotherapy two to three times a week for six months at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge.
Jayesh said: “We didn’t know if Asha would get through this, but we held on and stayed strong in the belief that she was in the best place, getting the best possible treatment.
“From a very early age, Asha has faced a lot of unfair things that life has thrown her way.
“The biggest one of them all was losing her mum, Caroline, when Asha and her siblings were still so young, but she is amazingly resilient.
“During her treatment, she said to me that she was glad that she was the only person in the family to get cancer because she could cope with it, which is an amazing thing for a 16-year-old to say.
“Asha has never complained about anything, she is always so positive and happy, and always thinking of ways to help others.
“Even now, cancer hasn’t wiped that gorgeous smile off her face.”
HELP SAVE MORE LIVES
Thanks to her treatment, Asha has been told she is now living cancer-free.
To say thank you for saving her life and to help more people survive cancer, the teen is backing TK Maxx’s Give Up Clothes for Good campaign, in support of Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People.
She is encouraging families to donate any pre-loved quality fashion and homeware they no longer need to their nearest store.
Jayesh said: “Asha has been told by doctors that she is now cancer-free.
“Research has given us many more precious moments with her – it’s the reason she’s still here today and able to enjoy another school year.
“She’s going into sixth form and she is also celebrating her 17th birthday this month, so we are back to being a normal family again.
“That’s why raising money for Cancer Research UK for Children & Young People is so vital.
“We want to help families like ours have more moments too, so Asha and I will be having a good clear out at home to find clothes and things to donate.
“We hope our experience will inspire others across the region to do the same. Their unwanted items really could save lives.”
What is Hodgkin lymphoma?
HODGKIN lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes.
It is not common, with around 2,100 people diagnosed every year in the UK.
Like all cancers, symptoms vary and can be vague. However, patients usually notice swelling in one or more lymph nodes.
This can be in any area of the body, but is often in the neck, armpit or groin.
The swelling is usually painless, although some people find that it aches.
Some people with Hodgkin lymphoma also have other more general symptoms. These can include:
- Night sweats
- Unintentional weight loss
- A high temperature (fever)
- A persistent cough or feeling of breathlessness
- Persistent itching of the skin all over the body
Source: Cancer Research UK and the NHS
Cancer Research UK (CRUK) has helped to more than double children’s cancer survival in the UK since the 1970s.
Today, more than eight in 10 children and young people diagnosed with cancer will survive for at least 10 years, but there’s still much further to go.
Charity spokesperson Patrick Keely said: “We’re grateful to Asha and her family for helping to shine a light on some of the challenges faced by children that our scientists are working to tackle.
“Despite huge progress, too many young lives are still lost to this devastating disease.
“By donating any quality clothes or goods to their local TK Maxx store, people can help ensure more young people across the UK can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer.”
People can also show their support by wearing a gold ribbon badge – the awareness symbol of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month – available from CRUK shops during September.