My daughter has cancer, AMA

[diamond400]

Starting this thread to raise awareness. At 14 months old, my daughter was diagnosed with cancer. She’s now 6 months into 18 months of chemotherapy.

OP, I am so sorry. What cancer has she been diagnosed with? How’s she coping with chemo? Poor little thing

She’s a brain tumour near her brain stem and leptomenigeal disease. She’s doing ok with the chemo - she gets sick, pain, constipation for a week or so after but usually recovers quickly. She’s had two blood transfusions as well.

What were her symptoms, how long did it take to get a diagnosis? Wishing you and your little one all the best on her road to recovery

Recurrent vomiting, she stopped mobilising and seizures (many seizures). She’d been unwell with multiple trips to GP/hospital before she had an MRI to rule out meningitis, which is when the tumour was found.

www.headsmart.org.uk/

^ this is a campaign to raise awareness and promote early diagnosis. It’s essential.

What a terrible shock for you. I'm so sorry she's ill. How is she after the chemo? How long does she have to stay in hospital each time?

She’s sick and doesn’t really eat for a week or so. She also gets constipated and pain in her jaw and legs. She’s also needed two blood transfusions. Amongst other things. She doesn’t need to stay in, we have the treatment on the kids oncology day ward.

I'm so sorry for her and so sorry for you, too. I hope she makes a great recovery.

Do you have other children to care for? What happens with work etc when you have a sick child?

She’s our only one at the moment. My partner has stopped working and I’ve reduced my hours. I had to take a couple of months off after she was first diagnosed. It’s tricky, and you need a supportive employer (which we both have)

Do you think your daughter was born with cancer?

We’ve no idea. She has a low grade tumour which, theoretically, is slow growing. In hindsight, I reckon she started showing some subtle symptoms about 2 months before the diagnosis.

I don't want to ask you anything, I just want to offer a virtual hug. I can't imagine how awful this must be for your family and I hope your daughter makes a full recovery

I'm so sorry op. It must be so hard for you all. I hope she makes a full and speedy recovery My question is how are you? Are you getting support for yourself? I'm so glad work are understanding.

We have great support. The oncology team are amazing and always there for us. There are loads of charity’s around that we have reached out to as well. It’s still tough and anxiety provoking, but it does help you cope a little better.

I'm so sorry, it must be so frightening for all of you. Wishing your daughter a speedy recovery.

Oh goodness....how awful for all of you.

Wishing you all the best and hoping for a speedy recovery for her.

I can’t imagine how devastating this must be.

My question is

How do you cope financially if your DH has had to give up work?