A mother from London has spoken out about her daughter’s prolonged struggle with health issues that were initially misdiagnosed as growing pains, ultimately leading to a devastating diagnosis of thyroid cancer. Cheryl Barber, mother to 11-year-old Tamelia Felway, recalled the painful period before receiving the correct diagnosis, urging other parents to trust their instincts about their children’s health.
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/tamelia-felway-cheryl-barber-070626-aa77172507074f768dcad1011476812c.jpg)
Cheryl first noticed changes in Tamelia in September 2022, when her daughter, then just nine years old, began experiencing severe fatigue, persistent aches, and rapid mood swings. Cheryl described the worrying transformation, stating, “It was like the light just disappeared from her eyes.” Tamelia, who had been passionate about dancing since the age of four, found herself abandoning her beloved activity due to overwhelming tiredness. “She didn’t want to go anywhere anymore, she was too tired,” Cheryl added, highlighting the stark alterations in her daughter’s behaviour.
Despite Cheryl’s mounting concerns, medical professionals initially dismissed Tamelia’s symptoms, attributing them to “growing pains,” puberty, and general childhood development. Blood tests returned normal results, further aggravating Cheryl’s worries. “I was told from the blood tests and examinations of her legs and back that everything was all clear and okay. After being told it wasn’t anything sinister, I just thought it was just how she was growing up,” Cheryl expressed. Nevertheless, she felt a nagging sense that something was amiss, insisting, “I didn’t believe it was growing pains; I knew in my gut something wasn’t right.”
Over a year passed, and in September 2024, Cheryl noticed a significant change as she spotted a sizeable lump in Tamelia’s throat. “I just noticed a lump one Saturday morning when she walked downstairs, and it was just there — big and bold in your face,” she recalled, clearly shaken by the unexpected discovery. The lump, she described, was roughly the size of a golf ball and positioned prominently in the middle of her throat. The alarming sight triggered a wave of panic, and Cheryl immediately sought urgent medical attention.
After several appointments and tests, the lump was surgically removed in late November 2025, during which Tamelia was diagnosed with thyroid cancer. Cheryl was informed that the cancer could have been developing for as long as three years while they were advised that her daughter’s symptoms were harmless. “At that time, I was kind of led to believe it wasn’t anything sinister,” she said, reflecting her frustration and disbelief over the failure to diagnose her daughter properly earlier on.
In the wake of the diagnosis, Tamelia began radiation treatment in May 2026, and Cheryl lamented the difficulties experienced during the year-long wait for the correct assessment. She voiced her hope that medical professionals might better recognise the importance of listening to parental concerns. “I’m frustrated and angry that there was nothing pointed in any direction for doctors to pick up when I knew in my gut something wasn’t right,” she stated.
Cheryl, who also has a two-year-old child, is using her experience to encourage other parents to trust their instincts concerning their children’s health. “Just follow your gut because I knew it was something else, so that’s why I carried on,” she advised. Her determination to seek further medical opinions played a crucial role in Tamelia eventually receiving the appropriate care.
The family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Tamelia during her treatment and recovery, sharing that she will require lifelong medication following the removal of her entire thyroid. The donations will not only assist with medical expenses but also aim to bring some joy back into Tamelia’s life, which has been upended over the past few years.
“All donations would go towards bringing a little joy to Tamelia and her little sister and anything they may need,” the family requested, expressing their desire to help Tamelia reclaim a sense of normalcy amidst the challenges she faces. Cheryl’s heartfelt plea serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of advocating for one’s health, especially in children, and the need for medical professionals to take parental concerns seriously.