Sophie Houghton-Hinks British girl who had a liver transplant, viral meningitis and lymphoma Date of Birth: 01.01.1999 Country: Great Britain

Content:

1. Teenage Liver Transplant Recipient Battles Meningitis and Lymphoma
2. Viral Meningitis
3. Lymphoma Diagnosis
4. Aggressive Chemotherapy
5. - Burning pain in her hands and feet
6. - Believing in oneself despite physical or emotional setbacks

Teenage Liver Transplant Recipient Battles Meningitis and Lymphoma

Liver Failure and Transplant

At 16 years old, Sophie Houghton-Hinks faced liver failure due to an autoimmune disorder called primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC). Her brother, Daniel, offered to donate part of his liver, but a suitable donor organ was found in May 2017. After a nine-hour surgery, Sophie received a new liver in London.

Viral Meningitis

Within two weeks of her transplant, Sophie contracted viral meningitis and was treated immediately. However, further complications arose in October 2017.

Lymphoma Diagnosis

Sophie was diagnosed with stage 4 post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD). The cancer affected her throat, lungs, liver, spleen, abdomen, and brain. She was transferred to University College Hospital London for treatment.

Aggressive Chemotherapy

Sophie underwent an intensive six-month chemotherapy regimen, with drugs delivered directly to her spinal cord and intravenously. The treatment caused severe side effects, including:

- Burning pain in her hands and feet

- Gastrointestinal distress
- Mucositis (inflammation of the mouth and digestive tract)
- Encephalopathy (brain damage)
- Paralysis on one side of her body
- Sepsis
Recovery and Advocacy

Sophie is now in remission and has dedicated her life to inspiring others living with cancer or transplant experiences. She is also learning sign language to work with children with special needs. She encourages:

- Believing in oneself despite physical or emotional setbacks

- Embracing scars and baldness after chemotherapy
- Most importantly, loving oneself

Strong-spirit

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