The boy with 11 tumours who was sent home to die... and survives after grandparents' alternative therapy treatments

By Daniel Martin

Last updated at 8:31 AM on 06th February 2009

In remission: Scans have shown cancer tumours in Connah Broom, aged seven, have shrunk since his family sought alternative treatments for him

After he developed an aggressive form of childhood cancer in 2006, Connah Broom's body came under relentless attack from the disease.

Eleven tumours spread from his neck to his knees and his case appeared hopeless.

In 2007, doctors told his family there was nothing more they could do. They said they should take him home to enjoy his final months.

But Connah's family refused to give up hope. His grandparents began treating him with alternative therapies and, remarkably, he survived.

Latest scans on Connah, now aged seven, show that ten of his 11 tumours are shrinking, have no blood flow and may be dead.

The family are preparing for new scans which they hope will reveal the last tumour is also in retreat.

His grandparents are convinced their treatments, including a strict organic diet and a daily sauna, are helping him beat his disease.

But cancer experts are more sceptical, warning that the tumours could return at any moment.

Last night they cast doubt on whether the alternative therapies had made any difference.

Connah lives with his father Chris, 27, and his grandparents Debbie, 53, and Jim, 56, in Gronant, North Wales.

Debbie Broom said: 'There are times when we've broken down and thought "Why Connah?" and wanted to lash out at someone. But we've coped by turning our frustration into positive energy to help him.'

The family's nightmare began in August 2006 when Connah was diagnosed with stage four neuroblastoma at Alder Hey children's hospital in Liverpool.

Neuroblastoma is a cancer of the nervous system that can spread round the entire body. Doctors found tumours stretching from his neck, through his chest near his heart, in his stomach close to several organs including the kidney and intestine, and down his left leg.

Grandmother Debbie gives Connah ultrasound: It is claimed the treatment kills cancer cells

Mrs Broom said: 'They told us Connah had 11 tumours which were at the most advanced and aggressive stage. It was like a bolt out from the blue.

'Connah had been suffering sharp pains in his stomach now and again for about a year. But our local surgery could not find anything wrong. We never expected something like this.'

He was put on chemotherapy for seven months, and doctors considered surgery. But they concluded the cancer was too widespread and close to vital organs for it to be successful.

Mrs Broom said: 'A doctor told us to take Connah home and enjoy our remaining time with him.'

They were given the option of putting Connah on an experimental drug called Tapotecan – but were told it could damage his kidneys and heart, meaning he would have only a 50 per cent chance of surviving the treatment.

The Brooms decided the risks were too high. Instead, they turned to alternative therapy.

Connah undergoes light therapy while his Grandad Jim reads to him: Few studies have been carried out to show it works and it is not available in the UK or US

After surfing the internet they decided on an organic diet and filtering his water, after reading it would help reduce harmful toxins in his body.

The results, according to Mrs Broom, were amazing. 'Once we did this, Connah stopped becoming ill,' she said.

However, experts say levels of toxins in food and drink are unlikely to be high enough to cause cancer.

The next alternative treatment the Brooms deployed was reiki. The family had set up a website for the 'Connah Appeal' and among those who sent messages of support was a man who described himself as a reiki healer.

It is claimed that this Japanese healing works by focusing electromagnetic energy at the frequency needed to destroy cancer cells. However, no trials have shown it can reduce tumours, although in some people it can help reduce stress and pain.

Connah has his daily sauna: It is believed dangerous toxins are sweated out but experts say the body can detoxify itself naturally

The healer now carries out weekly sessions at the Broom family home. Connah's retired grandfather went back to work for an oil company to help his son, a chef, raise money.

They also sold some property to raise funds. The thousands raised have largely been spent on trips to Poland to have scans not available on the NHS.

They also went to a cancer clinic in Mexico which offers a sound and light therapy not available in the UK or even the U.S.

Sono Photo-Dynamic Therapy is a controversial technique, which is rejected by mainstream medical science. It involves Connah swallowing a capsule containing algae.

He is then placed under light of a certain wavelength, which apparently 'activates' the algae to create a powerful oxidant which can kill the cancer.

After visiting Mexico, they rebuilt the equipment at home and now repeat the technique every night.

Mrs Broom also uses an ultrasound machine she got in Mexico to rub over the affected areas after she was told this would also help.

This is followed by laser therapy, which is meant to act like a low dose of radiotherapy.

Debbie gives Connah laser treatment: It is believed the laser traces the skin round the tumour areas to act like a low dose of radiotherapy

Then Connah has a sauna, to 'sweat out' the toxins. The entire procedure takes two and a half hours.

Mrs Broom said: 'We're not under any illusions and we know that all this could change at any time. Each day is like the turn of a card. You don't know what hand you're going to be dealt.

'The Power Above has been watching over Connah and we just pray every day that his good health will continue and he will keep getting better. We can't pinpoint exactly which part of what we are doing is making Connah so well, so we'll just keep doing it all.

'If what we're doing stops working, then we'll look for another treatment. We'll never give up doing everything in the world to help our little boy.'

But experts are sceptical that the alternative therapies have had much effect. They say cancers often go into remission for unexplained reasons – and can come back.

Dr Julie Sharp, of Cancer Research UK, said: 'Two thirds of children with neuroblastoma can be successfully treated but unfortunately some types of the disease are more difficult to treat.

'Some parents of children that don't respond well to treatment decide to seek alternative therapies and often these are still in an experimental stage.

'It's important to remember that all proven treatments for neuroblastoma are available in this country and that the standard treatment here is equal to anywhere else in the world.'

Connah's GP Dr Eamon Jessop said: 'The thing with this cancer is that it can suddenly flare up again and when it comes back, it can come back rapidly.

'The family are aware of this and, if it does happen, we will have to look again at whether traditional medical treatments should be considered.'

But he added: 'When it was decided two years ago that his tumours were inoperable, we would have expected just a short time before he became very ill.

'But sometimes unexplainable things happen that we have to call a miracle. The excellent care given to Connah by his grandparents can only have helped him. They really are amazing people.'

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