A Rocklands teen’s body is adjusting to having some of his sister’s stem cells implanted in it.

Diego Jacobs turned 19 at Groote Schuur Hospital, days before a stem cell transplantation from his sister Ella, 17, on June 26.

As a child, he was diagnosed with a rare blood cancer, Peripheral T-cell lymphoma, which is usually diagnosed among older patients.

Hospital transplant team member Dr Gamuchirai Tadzimirwa said lymphoma, a cancer of the lymphatic system, which forms part of the body's germ-fighting and disease-fighting immune system, is commonly diagnosed and in most cases curable when detected early.

She said people with lumps or bumps in their neck, underarms and chest; and night sweats should see a doctor.

“Most people will have the more curable forms of cancer and should not be afraid to get help,” she said.

Dr Tadzimirwa also explained the importance of Africans being registered on a bone marrow registry either with DKMS, an international non-profit organisation dedicated to the fight against blood cancer and blood disorders; or the South African Bone Marrow Registry.

Both are linked to the international bone registry where you can help family or friends, or an unknown person, she said.

“When you are registered as a donor it increases recipients’ ability to get a match,” she said.

“As an African, you can donate to anyone else in the world,” she said.

Donors’ information is stored and they can be called up whenever a match is made.

Diego was diagnosed in August 2020 and after six months of aggressive chemotherapy at Red Cross War Memorial Children’s Hospital oncology department, he beat the cancer.

In February he relapsed and needed a stem cell transplant, which comes with many challenges.

His mother Nicola has been documenting his journey on the Facebook page “Diego vs PTCL - Round 2“ to garner support and increase awareness about the disease.

She has also started a BackaBuddy campaign to help raise funds to help with daily essentials like toiletries, detergents, bottled water and specialised nutrition; transport costs to and from medical appointments and for her to visit him daily at hospital; and to improve their living conditions like fixing broken windows, and maintaining hygiene standards as their ceiling is mouldy and their roof leaking.

“We’re grateful for any support you can offer, whether it's a donation or simply sharing our story with your network.

“Every little bit helps us provide Diego with the care and comfort he needs during this critical time,” reads the campaign post.

Ms Jacobs told the Plainsman last week that it is a difficult situation because Diego is in hospital in a sterile environment and often she has to help him to the toilet and keep his spirits up.

“We remain positive and faithful. We pray for his well-being and encourage him to keep fighting,” she said.

This year Diego and his sister are due to finish matric.

He repeated Grade 9 after missing out on school because of being sick and in hospital for most of 2020.

“He would like to be a boxer,” she said.

“He was healthy before he was diagnosed and the thing is the treatment kills all cells and his body needs to fight to have the cells generate,” she said.

Ms Jacobs had to stop working because of her own health issues, which has left them with a limited income, including Unemployment Insurance Fund (UIF).

She is also fearful of any medical bills she would not be able to pay.

Diego is only allowed the same two visitors a week.

His initial recuperation post-transplant would take up to four weeks, thereafter he would be home-bound for about three-months, and has to stay away from crowds and sickly visitors to avoid any risk of infections.

Ms Jacobs said it is lonely but they are feeling blessed with the support of loved ones and strangers who have contributed in prayer, cash or kind.

Yesterday, Tuesday July 16, Ms Jacobs confirmed that engraftment had begun, when transplanted cells start to grow and make healthy blood cells. "If all goes well he'll be home by the weekend," she said.

She was buying detergents and prepare the house for Diego’s homecoming.

If you would like to help Diego and his family, visit www.backabuddy.co.za or their Facebook page.

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