ANDREAS HICKMAN-VIEIRA age 20 battlling cancer

Hi my name is Teresa jane & Adam Vieira and we are raising funds for our only child together Andreas who has just turned 20 and was diagnosed with Thymus Carcinoma in Sept '22. Thymus Gland is a very rare form of cancer which started from the Epstein Barr virus. We have been informed there is no cure and no clinical trials in this country as not enough people have this. Andreas was told previously it was Nasopharyngeal and they hadn't seen this cancer for 37 years . We were left feeling numb, distraught, none the wiser to what was to happen next. The unit for teenage cancer trust in Nottingham seemed like a good option for Andreas as he would be around other young people his age. The new consultant felt something was not right and Andreas had a camera down his throat and up his nasal this confirmed that it was not Nasopharyngeal but had a swelling on both sides of his neck that had became very aggressive and needed to start chemotherapy the next day. 8 hours of chemo every 3 weeks for 6 months then had a 3 month break which was expected to be 6 months . The CT scan showed the cancer had grown significantly from 18mm to 67 on one side and 18mm to 57 on the other and had to start chemo again on the monday which is a stronger form this time and would lose his hair. Additional tests were sent to Cambridge and more tests to try to locate the primary site. PET / CT scans and xrays followed. We were called in to be told they had located the primary site between the breast bone and lungs. We had a diagnosis of Thymus Gland Cancer. At this point maybe 5 years to live but consultant said less than 2 years, 1 year almost gone.

As parents we feel helpless and devastated but are remaining positive and look for alternative treatments in various countries to help prolong our Son's life.

The thought of not seeing our beautiful handsome boy get married, having his own family, doing all the things he talked to us about in the future is heartbreaking. As parents we are making some happy memories along his journey and trying to save his life by slowing down this aggressive form of cancer.

At the beginning of this week 25th September 23, Andreas was admitted to Nottingham City in excruciating agony all over his body pain relief was not being absorbed and has taken ten days to get pain management under control. We were given the very sad news that the cancer has spread to his liver, lymphnodes in his stomach and bones. Initially he had 6 months to live by the 26th September this changed to 8 weeks left to live and then on the 27th September was told Andreas would not be expected to be here by the weekend, total heartbreak for all of his friends and family.

Any funds raised will go towards Andreas end of life care and help with funeral arrangements, even though he is remaining positive, not giving up and lives in hope of prolonging his time with us.

Andreas has requested for us to do the Go fund me page to help raise awareness as his last wish.

Any monies left over will be used to help support the Teenage Cancer Trust Unit in Nottingham and will help support other youngsters and their families throughout their journey.

Thank you in advance for taking time out to read our story and for any support you can give will be greatly appreciated.

Kind regards

Teresa, Adam & Andreas.

Stay strong..keep fighting..never give up.