A dad is being cared for by his two loving daughters after diagnosing his own terminal cancer – on GOOGLE.
Tom Cooper spotted the signs of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma online.
Lumps started to appear on his neck and he was urged by friends and family to see a doctor – who put it down to an infection.
However as his concerns grew further, Tom and a colleague GOOGLED his symptoms, only to find they were linked to a rare form of nasal cancer.
Sadly, despite numerous rounds of chemo and radiotherapy, he’s been told his condition is terminal.
His family including daughters Tienna, seven, and Ziani, four, from Burnley, Lancs., now face an anxious wait to see how quickly his health deteriorates.
His wife Tammy, 26, said: “Tom is the most selfless man I know, he’s been so brave and courageous throughout his fight and despite the shock, he’s still smiling.
“We’ve told the girls what he’s going through and they’re so supportive.
“When Tom is feeling poorly, Ziani constantly comes over and pats his head and asks him if he’s OK.
“They want to do everything they can to help him and make sure he’s comfortable.”
Tom, 28, began to show signs of illness four years ago while working as a council technician, but put his symptoms down to paint fumes.
Eventually he was diagnosed with rare Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, but specialists told him they weren’t able to treat the cure the condition but treatment would hopefully shrink his tumours.
Tammy, who is Tom’s full-time carer, said: “The consultant told us he could have had it for some years.
“They said there was nothing they could do. It was already too far gone.”
“We knew this was to come, but nothing ever prepares you for this and we are all devastated. We broke this news to Tienna and Ziani, the hardest thing we have ever had to do.
“Although he looks OK now and feels sort of OK his body is getting much more tired. However, so far he has outlived all doctors’ expectations.”
Since being diagnosed with the condition, Tom’s cancer has spread from behind his nose to almost the rest of his body – including his spine, ribs, hips, both arms, chest, lungs and brain.
But despite his daily battle, his lifeline that remains is his two daughters, who stand beside him every step of the way.
Next week they plan to walk three miles for their dad in aid of the hospice he intends to move to when he can no longer live at home.
“They wanted to walk to represent Tom and to help him and other people,” said Tammy.
“They ask us every day if the walk is today and they go to school and talk about it with their friends.
“They really want to represent their daddy and show the world how much he means to them.”
The Little Hospice Walk in support of Pendleside Hospice Care, Burnley, Lancs., will take place on May 17.
Tammy added: “Tom’s a man and he doesn’t really show his feelings very well but he’s very positive and he always smiles and never complains.
I feel like I’m a bit more realistic about it and maybe I feel we have been strong throughout it but I’ve got to be strong for him and the girls.
“I’m just so proud of how they’ve dealing with such a tragic situation at such a young age. They’re a credit to their dad and we hope everyone will support them in what they’re doing.”
To support Tienna and Ziani, visit www.justgiving.com/TheCoopers4
