THE parents of a 12-year-old girl who died from an “aggressive” tumour said her diagnosis was a “bolt from the blue” after her relatively healthy childhood.
Keen runner Poppi Frisby’s shock cancer diagnosis came after she developed a limp that was initially unexplained.
But investigations led to a diagnosis of Ewing carcinoma – a type of cancer that begins as a growth of cells in the bones and the soft tissue around the bones.
The “aggressive” tumour was in her pelvis and her spread to her lungs.
“It broke our hearts, and I struggled to accept it,” said Poppi’s dad, Ian Frisby, 66, from Peterborough.
“It was such an overwhelming shock and like being hit by a bus.
“I remember we were ushered into a room at the hospital. Three nurses and several consultants came in, and we obviously knew something was very wrong.
“They told us Poppi had cancer and it hit us for six, as it would any parents.
“However, we looked at each other and vowed to take it one day at a time.”
Poppi was diagnosed in October 2022, and, soon after, the family were referred to East Anglia’s Children Hospices (EACH).
Despite initial concern, it proved a game-changer, and Poppi’s parents, Ian and Sam, say they will forever be thankful for the support they received, along with daughters Rubi, 15, and Daizi, 12.
“EACH was mentioned soon after the diagnosis, but I was scared and reluctant to start with,” said Ian.
“To me, the word ‘hospice’ meant one thing – death. I was in denial and didn’t want to listen.
“Initially, I fought and resisted the idea but eventually agreed to go.
“Poppi did an art activity while we were shown around, and, from that moment, my opinion and world changed.
“Far from being dark and depressing, I realised the hospice was the most beautiful place, full of the warmest, most amazing people – people I respect so much.
“There was no pressure to do anything we didn’t want to do. No-one questioned or judged us or made us feel uncomfortable.
“Instead, the care team told us they were there to look after us.
She had a heart of gold and enjoyed life, despite the challenges she faced towards the end
Ian Frisby
“It was all about us, ensuring we had maximum time to make precious memories, and their kindness and support was remarkable.”
Sadly, Poppi died in February 2024 after a 16-month battle with the disease.
Ian and Sam, who also have three older daughters, Sapphire, 27, Chrystal, 25, and Jasmin, 21, believe Poppi might have died before last February, had it not been for the exceptional care she received.
The family stayed at the hospice twice, including for end-of-life care, and attended other events, including EACH’s 2023 Christmas Winter Wonderland.
“It gave her the spirit to fight on, giving us extra time to create so many beautiful memories, like pieces of artwork and hand prints,” said Sam.
“No-one can take them away from us, and, for that, we’ll always be grateful.
“The last couple of years have been truly dreadful, but it would have been so much worse without EACH. It’s unimaginable, and I don’t think we’d have coped.”
“Poppi was so funny, and everyone adored her,” said milkman Ian.
“She was a beautiful young girl with a fun, sometimes mischievous and sassy personality.
“She said it how it was, and it was tricky getting her to do things she didn’t want to do. However, she loved people and was so respectful of everyone she met.
“She had a heart of gold and enjoyed life, despite the challenges she faced towards the end.”
What is Ewing carcinoma?
Ewing sarcoma is a rare type of bone cancer that commonly affects people who are 10 to 20 years old.
It most commonly develops in the:
- pelvis bone (hips)
- thigh bone (femur)
- shin bone (tibia)
The symptoms of Ewing sarcoma depend on the size of the cancer and where it is in the body.
The main symptoms are pain in the affected area that gets progressively worse, and swelling and tenderness.
Other possible, but less common, symptoms may include a high temperature (fever), severe tiredness and weight loss.
In some cases of Ewing sarcoma, there may not be any symptoms at all.
But as the tumour grows it could weaken the affected bone, increasing the risk of fracture.
Source: NHS
