In a matter of weeks, Jack’s tumor expanded to the size of a ‘watermelon’
A teenager from the UK was tragically diagnosed with a rare and aggressive form of cancer, months after being reassured by medical professionals that he had nothing to worry about.
Jack Constable, a 17-year-old from England, first sought medical attention in 2023 when he noticed an unusual lump on his back. Concerned but not alarmed, he decided to have it checked out.
When he visited a nurse with his mother, the family was told it was nothing serious. The nurse suggested that the lump was likely a result of a pulled muscle. Since Jack wasn’t experiencing any significant symptoms at the time, the family initially accepted this explanation.
Jack’s mother, Katie, has since shared the overwhelming disbelief and heartbreak they experienced upon later learning the true nature of her son’s condition.
She explained: “Jack had no symptoms whatsoever…he’s six foot three, he was slim. He was a normal healthy lad. There weren’t any symptoms. ‘Then he said one day omg what is this lump I’ve got cancer.'”
Describing the nurse’s initial assessment, Katie added: “We went to see a nurse practitioner. She lifted Jack’s shirt she didn’t even touch him or examine him and within two minutes we were out she said ‘oh it’s just a pulled muscle don’t do anything and if it doesn’t go down come back in eight weeks’. Then to be told he’s got cancer was just horrendous.”
Jack’s cancer was initially missed by a nurse
Katie Constable
Just two months after that first appointment, the lump on Jack’s back had grown significantly. By this point, it had reached the size of a watermelon and was visibly protruding through his clothing.
Katie expressed that she does not blame the nurse for missing the signs of cancer. She reflected, “Why would anyone assume such a lump was cancer? We certainly didn’t. The thought never crossed our minds.”
When Jack sought help again after eight weeks, a different nurse immediately realized that the situation was far more serious than initially suspected.
Jack with his friends
Katie Constable
Katie shared: “Something didn’t feel right. In eight weeks, time I called and it was another nurse practitioner, who saw Jack, and as soon as she saw Jack said there’s no way that’s a pulled muscle.”
Following this appointment, Jack was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer that originates in the bones or surrounding soft tissues.
Devastatingly, Jack, now 18 years old, has been informed that his condition is terminal. In response, his family is actively pursuing treatment options in the United States that could potentially extend his life.
To help cover the cost of these life-extending treatments, Jack’s family has set up a GoFundMe campaign. They also hope to explore alternative medicine techniques that might aid in his fight.
The fundraiser has so far garnered $19,629 from nearly 300 donations, showing the immense support from their community and beyond.
If you or someone you know has been affected by similar challenges and needs confidential support, you can reach out to the American Cancer Society by calling 1-800-227-2345 or using their live chat service, available 24/7 throughout the year.