Medics pleased with Jamie’s progress (From York Press)

Medics pleased with Jamie Inglis’s progress

8:05am Monday 17th September 2012 in News By Kate Liptrot, kate.liptrot@thepress.co.uk

THE medical team treating child cancer patient Jamie Inglis has said it is pleased with his progress.

Jamie, seven, has been given stem cells from his father, John, as part of life-saving treatment in Germany as he fights to beat neuroblastoma for a second time.

He has already undergone chemotherapy and was last week injected with his father’s stem cells which has caused his white cell count to dramatically increase, significantly bolstering his immune system.

On Thursday, his white blood cell count was 500, but by yesterday it had risen to 2,500.

Jamie, Mr Inglis and his wife, Vicky, have been at the Children’s Hospital in Tubingen since last month, and are likely to be there until October. Mr Inglis said while Jamie is becoming grumpy about having to stay in one room of the hospital to prevent infection, he is doing well.

He has been suffering from muscositis, an ulceration of the mouth which is a side effect of the treatment, but with his immune system becoming stronger it is hoped this should soon heal, allowing Jamie to eat.

Mr Inglis said yesterday: “We are pleased. The things that that have happened have all been as anticipated. He wants to eat and has eaten a little bit today – it’s a good thing he has hunger and they are very pleased with his progress.

“He is starting to get bored. He is still on heavy medication – steroids and morphine – his mood is up and down and he is fed up with the testing. He is a bit grumpy, but the fact that he is grumpy and has got that spirit is a good thing.”

Mr and Mrs Inglis are currently staying next to the hospital in order to be with Jamie round the clock and are keeping him entertained with painting and games.

If Jamie’s white blood cell count is stabilised, he will be able to stay with his parents between making trips to the hospital.

The family is expected to return home in October time and then travel back to Germany for antibody treatment to kill the cancer in about two months.

The Inglis, from Kelfield, near Selby , have to raise money themselves, and has so far raised £97,000 of a required £250,000. They have spoken of their disappointment the Government had not funded the treatment, citing “insufficient medical evidence”, despite it being advocated by a neuroblastoma specialist in the UK.

To donate to the appeal, visit justgiving.com/jamiesappeal