Abdulrahman’s Story
Abdulrahman was 3 years of age when his family noticed he could not see objects that were passed across and within his line of sight. After seeking medical advice in Doha, Abdulrahman and his family travelled to the UK where he was diagnosed with retinoblastoma, a rare cancer affecting the eye that is almost exclusively found in very young children. Abdulrahman required surgery at Great Ormond Street Hospital for Children to treat the aggressive tumours which ultimately meant he would no longer have his sight. Abdulrahman’s family elected to transfer his ongoing care to The Harley Street Clinic where he has been a patient since 2010 when his retinoblastoma relapsed. He received radiotherapy under the care of Dr Nick Plowman and Mum Aljohara praised Dr Plowman for his ability to be able to explain both the disease and treatment to Abdulrahman. Aljohara says that as Abdulrahman cannot see, it is essential for him to build trust and rapport in order for him to feel safe and comfortable when undergoing treatment. Dr Plowman’s careful explanation was able to put Abdulrahman at ease and help him to trust the multidisciplinary team responsible for his care.
Upon a routine follow up in Summer 2018, Abdulrahman and his family received the news that he had a secondary malignant neoplasm of the bone which affected his leg, shoulder and spine. Abdulrahman’s care was transferred to Dr Ayad Atra, Consultant Paediatric Haematologist Oncologist, for chemotherapy to treat Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. “Abdulrahman and Dr Atra have a wonderful bond as doctor and patient”, says Paediatric Haematology CNS Marianne Sylvester. Abdulrahman says he and Dr Atra are “great friends” and Aljohara says she and her family are so grateful for the excellent care and advice Dr Atra provides. Abdulrahman has built a strong bond with Dr Atra and the Paediatric Oncology team on 1st Floor and his family praise the care and attention of the multidisciplinary team. During his most recent hospital admission, Abdulrahman was visited by Guide Dogs UK ambassador, Dave, and his guide dog Chad. This was a special visit arranged by school teacher Helen Williams after Abdulrahman wanted to learn how visually impaired people are supported in living their lives. This visit brought Abdulrahman and his family great joy and Aljohara says she cannot thank Dr Atra and the team at The Harley Street Clinic enough for their continued high quality care and specialised support of Abdulrahman and their entire family.