Children’s book helping cancer patients

Shannon Frost

A story inspired by a newlywed mother’s cancer diagnosis is now helping other patients and their families at a Wolverhampton hospital.

Moved by his daughter Shannon Frost’s experience of undergoing treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, Steve Blanks wrote the story My Mum’s a Chameleon.

He hopes to help young children understand and cope when a parent’s appearance changes during cancer treatment.

Shannon from Wolverhampton was diagnosed in September last year, shortly after her wedding.

The 31-year-old underwent six rounds of chemotherapy at New Cross Hospital, part of The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust.

The mother of one said: “I was diagnosed with lymphoma while on a work trip last year. The tumour was so large it was sitting on my diaphragm, causing my right lung to deflate and meaning my heart was being pushed under my armpit.

“The news didn’t come as a shock. My body had been whispering for a while, but with the madness of wedding planning, starting a new job, and being a mum, I didn’t slow down when I should have.

“I had my first round of chemo in Newcastle before being transferred back to New Cross Hospital.

“The care I received at New Cross was fantastic. All the staff were lovely and so caring.

“I actually looked forward to my bloods being taken as the Nurse who did was so nice and we had a laugh together.”

One of the most difficult parts of treatment, Shannon said, was losing her hair — something that deeply affected her five-year-old daughter, Ophelia.

Now, My Mum’s a Chameleon is being shared with families at New Cross Hospital, helping other young children cope with a loved one’s cancer diagnosis.

She said: “My daughter struggled to understand why I looked different.

“Losing my hair was the hardest part for her and I had to explain it was because mummy was poorly.

“Once my daughter got used to the idea, she started to tell her friends and they all loved the bright red wig as I looked like The Little Mermaid.
“Having this book at the time might have made it easier for her.

“My dad’s story helped her see that although I might have changed on the outside, I was still the same mum inside. It’s amazing to know it’s now helping other families too.”

Jo O’Sullivan, Living With and Beyond Cancer Support Manager at The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust, said: “This book is a lovely way for patients to explain hair loss to young children for both parents and grandparents.

“We have purchased copies of the book so if needed we are able to give a copy to patients who may not be able to afford to purchase themselves.

“A sample copy of the book is also available for patients in the Deanesly Centre.”