Toddler diagnosed with cancer after parents spot eye reflection at dinner table

A boy of three was diagnosed with cancer after his parents noticed a peculiar "crescent-shaped reflection" in his left eye. Sarah, 40, and Ross Cooper, 44, were at the dinner table with their two children when Ross spotted a mirror-like reflection in son Thomas' eye.

Sarah took photos and scheduled an appointment with an optician. Thomas was referred to Birmingham Children's Hospital after the optician detected a white mass in his eye.

There, doctors diagnosed Thomas with stage D retinoblastoma, a type of eye cancer where the tumour has spread throughout the retina and eyeball. Thomas has undergone various investigations, including a lumbar puncture and a bone marrow extraction, as well as treatments such as chemotherapy.

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He is currently undergoing laser therapy to eradicate the cancer cells, and doctors are working to decide if he will need more treatment. Sarah, a customer service manager from Warrington, Cheshire, said: "You say deep down you know it is cancer but when you are told the news it breaks you.

"Hearing our son had cancer was devastating. Although we had our suspicions, nothing really prepared us, and we felt numb and overwhelmed.

"We also felt scared and angry, particularly when we began to discuss Thomas' treatment plan." The discovery was made on Bonfire Night 2023, when Sarah and Ross were sitting around the table with their children.

Ross, a software engineer, said: "He didn't have any symptoms - it was all by chance. We were sat down for a meal and Thomas sat in the chair where I would usually sit and I sat opposite him.

"While we were having dinner, I noticed that when Thomas looked towards Sarah he had a reflection in his eye. It was a crescent-shaped mirror reflection - I instantly thought it was odd."

By May 2023 the couple had a sinking suspicion about Thomas' condition. Their goddaughter's brother had retinoblastoma, so they feared the worst.

Sarah said: "I sent the photos to the opticians who diagnosed my goddaughter's brother. I got a message back straight away saying the photos were shared with the optician and they would have a look ASAP."

"An hour later we received a phone call instructing us the optician was on their way in and enquiring if we could make it." He was referred to Birmingham Children's Hospital, where an appointment was set for them the very next day, November 10, 2023.

Following a swift examination at the hospital, doctors told the couple Thomas had grade D retinoblastoma. Sarah said: "They did an examination and whilst he was in recovery they broke the news to us.

"It's one thing suspecting, but hearing it confirmed just breaks you. They talk you through the different treatment options and they give you a choice but you sit there thinking that this isn't a choice."

"It is difficult for any parent to make a decision around your child."

Thomas then underwent a lumber puncture and bone marrow extraction - procedures that involve getting a sample for testing - on November 14, 2023. The following week he started four rounds of chemotherapy.

He then underwent three rounds of chemotherapy that was inserted directly into his eye before he started cryotherapy.

Sarah said: "Treatment started mid-November, Thomas had his central line inserted on Ross' birthday."

"Christmas was around the corner, but it felt like a burden rather than something to celebrate. Before Thomas' diagnosis, we arranged to spend the festive period with my family, staying in converted barns."

"The medical team encouraged us to go, if Thomas was well enough, and ensured we had a referral for the local oncology department in case of emergency. As difficult as it was for us as parents, it was important to us that Thomas and Evelyn had as near-to-normal a Christmas as possible."

Throughout the treatment, both parents said Thomas has been "resilient" and "inspiring". Ross said: "Thomas hasn't had an easy time since his diagnosis and his treatment isn't over yet, but he has overcome many challenges, and he continues to smile his perfect cheeky smile."

"Thomas is attending preschool and is hitting all milestones." So far, it is understood that Thomas' vision has been impaired only slightly and it's hoped the patching therapy he's currently undergoing will help to improve this.

Richard Ashton, chief executive of Childhood Eye Cancer Trust, said: "Retinoblastoma is rare, with around one baby or young child being diagnosed in the UK each week. Symptoms can be quite subtle, and children often seem well in themselves which can make it hard to recognise that anything is wrong."

"In just under half of all cases, a child must have an eye removed as part of their treatment. We are grateful that in Thomas' case, his symptoms were recognised so that he could receive treatment."

"If you are worried a child you know may have retinoblastoma, get them seen by a GP or optician ASAP. Contact the Childhood Eye Cancer Trust support team at support@chect.org.uk and they will provide you with information to take along to your appointment."