Childhood leukemia (sort of) in the family. I am constantly on edge every time the dc's get ill.

[Meglet]

My cousin died of leukemia at the age of 15 and now another cousins daughter has got leukemia, it's all on my Dads side of the family. I understand it's just a fluke and bad luck but even so I am always worrying about the dc's .

Every pale face, bout of tiredness, complaint of feeling ill starts my heart racing. I don't march them off to the doctors all the time but the worst case scenario is on my mind all the time and I can't get it out of my head.

I can also see how badly my cousins death has affected his brother and I freak out at the thought of one of my dc's losing their brother / sister.

I think I am just rambling and I know I have got this out of proportion . Feel free to give me a kick up the bum or some wise words - whichever you do best.

[nameymcnamechange]

Does it have a genetic link?

[Meglet]

apparently not.

At least, previous studies have not shown a link. Someone I know works for cancer research so they had a look for me.

Obviously in my mind that means just because previous studies have not shown a link it doesn't mean it can't happen.

[ethelina]

My sister and one of my brothers have had different forms of leukaemia aged 10 and 19, both thankfully still here. The consultants all say there is no known genetic link but nobody can ever say for certain it wont happen again.
It worries me occasionally when I think of my son but he's fit and healthy.

[Meglet]

ethelina How scary for all of you (to put it mildly). I need to only worry about it occasionally too.

[ethelina]

Very scary for mum especially, I think she thought we were safe once my sister recovered.
Only way to deal with it is to relax and enjoy life until you have reason not to.