Matt found enjoyment in all things. He had a firecracker spirit and approached everything with boundless energy and with such enthusiasm that it was contagious.
But most of all Matt had a gift to connect with people.
His gentle and kind-hearted nature, his willingness “to just have a chat”, his infectious smile would ensure that he would forge lasting friendships with all those he met.
Matt experienced migraines in July 2021 in the midst of the COVID lockdown. Matt was a healthy and active 19 year old. He seldom got sick and rarely if ever had headaches so his doctor recommended that he get a MRI. Matt went for a MRI on 21 July 2021. The MRI was clean. There was no indication that there was anything to be concerned about.
In August 2021 Matt started to have blurred and double vision. Having only recently had a MRI and the MRI showing up clean, Matt was referred to an ophthalmologist.
However, in November 2021, as Matt was playing hockey the sport he loved so much, friends noticed some slight coordination issues and facial palsy. Matt saw his doctor on 22 November 2021 and was referred to a neurologist, Dr Henry Miller the following day.
After reviewing the MRI taken in July 2021, Dr Miller agreed that there was nothing on the MRI but Matt’s presentation of headaches, double vision, slight facial palsy was puzzling and warranted further investigation. He requested that Matt go for another MRI at Sydney Adventist Hospital (SAN).
Matt was admitted into the SAN on the same day. Appearing on the new MRI were some faint sand like specks but still this was inconclusive. A week and bit later, after undergoing further CAT scans, PET scans, numerous blood tests there were still no definitive answers.
The team of doctors then debated on the possibility of a biopsy. As the MRI only showed small specks, there was no clear indication of where from the brain the sample should be removed for the biopsy. It was also unclear whether the biopsy would yield any further insight. However, the neurosurgeon Prof Brian Owler was confident and Matt was willing to go through with the risk of a biopsy in the hope of finding some answers.
On 1 December 2021, a biopsy was performed.
On 8 December 2021 we were given the devastating news. Matt had brain cancer – Diffuse Hemispheric Glioma H3 G34-mutant (WHO Grade 4).
Matt was transferred to Royal North Shore Hospital under the care of A/Prof Helen Wheeler and A/Prof Michael Back.
Matt knew that he had a battle on his hands.
But Matt faced it with the same positivity, resilience, determination and drive that he had exhibited throughout his life.
He bravely endured everything that the doctors threw at him including the kitchen sink. He celebrated his 20th birthday on 24 December 2021 whilst undergoing radiation treatment and chemotherapy.
Matt never ever gave up.
We saw first hand how debilitating brain cancer can be. It took away Matt’s ability to communicate, his mobility, his independence, his ability to consume and appreciate food.
But Matt would not let it take away his infectious smile.
Matt passed away peacefully at home on 29 July 2022 surrounded by family, 5 months shy of celebrating his 21st birthday.
During Matt’s brain cancer journey, we searched the internet, we consulted oncologist friends only to discover that brain cancer is a mine field and also still very much a mystery. There are so many types of brain cancer. To date, we still don’t know very much about the brain cancer that Matt had. We only know that it is an extremely rare form of brain cancer, is highly aggressive and found predominately in children.
We also learnt that there is currently very little in the way of treatment options available for Matt’s type of brain cancer apart from radiation and only one type of chemotherapy drug. There are no clinical trials available.
We are still trying to come to terms with losing Matt.
To witness your child having to endure pain and suffering, watch him deteriorate and not be able to do anything, unable to shield and protect him is gut wrenching.
But we are trying to find the strength so that we can honour Matt’s memory. We have set up a tribute page for Matt to help MHF raise funds for brain cancer research.
We have been brainstorming other fundraising activities and ways to make a difference.
We hope that through much needed funding and research, one day there will be a cure for brain cancer.
From Tomy, Katie and Alyssa
You can make a donation in memory of Matthew here – https://tribute.markhughesfoundation.com.au/page/MatthewLiamLam
