Logan needs help with cancer treatment
He was taken to two local doctors and they suggested a sonar scan be done immediately.
Fifteen year old Logan Potgieter of Shelly Beach, the only child of Anton and Jana Potgieter, was recently diagnosed with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
Hodgkin’s affects the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s germ-fighting system.
Logan is currently undergoing chemotherapy.
In January, just before returning to school, Logan had been enjoying a day out with family at the beach. When he returned home, he noticed a lump on his neck. He didn’t take the lump seriously and after two weeks told his mother that the lump had grown.
He was taken to two local doctors and they suggested a sonar scan be done immediately. On receiving the results, emergency surgery was done and Logan was diagnosed with stage two Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.
A few days later Logan had a positron emission tomography (PET) scan and he and his family feared the worst. He was told that the cancer had spread to his bones, chest and stomach.
The sudden news changed Logan’s lifestyle and schooling career. He now undergoes chemotherapy every two weeks and needs another four chemo sessions before he can do another PET scan to see if he is winning with the chemotherapy. In total Logan needs 16 sessions.
“Doctors were concerned that in only two weeks the cancer had grown so much. They stated that the cancer is very aggressive and that I probably had this problem for the past three to four months,” said the teenager.
Last year Logan was a Grade 9 learner at Port Shepstone High.
After his diagnosis, he started online schooling as his immune system is compromised from the chemo and and he needs to be isolated to remain healthy.
“I love drawing and want to be an architect. The chemotherapy has taken a lot out of me and I really miss my friends. My life has taken a strain, but I have the most amazing parents who are supportive in every way,” said Logan.
His mother Jana said it is extremely difficult as parents to be in this position to ask for help. “Cancer treatment is expensive and we sometimes wonder if we are going to come up with all the funds. There is a hospital plan in place but there is no gap cover which means there is a massive shortfall to cover the treatments. As parents we are proud of Logan as he is handling this very well,” she said.
Both Jana, Anton and Logan thanked everyone who has offered support since Logan’s diagnosis.
Halfway Auto, Ford, Mazda and Hyundai will host a fundraising golf day for Logan’s cancer treatment. The event will be held at the Port Shepstone Country Club on Saturday, June 25.
Book in your team and support the golf day by calling the Pro Shop direct on 039 6950140. Anyone willing to help with Logan’s cancer treatment, a trust account has been opened, contact Jana on 072 5345696.
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