Likely Cancer diagnosis for my 4yr old DD, advice please for talking to older siblings

[Littlefiendsusan]

After repeat returns to the GP and practice nurse about my DD's nosebleeds and snoring, and after repeat reassurance we are now facing a sinister outcome.

We weren't prepared to wait the 18 weeks referral given by GP to an ENT consultant so we went private.
The private Dr took one look in DD's mouth and said lymphoma.

The day after we were called to attend GOS that afternoon (yesterday) for consultation with Paed ENT consultant. Bloods and chest X-ray followed.

Last night we were called to come in for an MRI under GA which happened today and to be told she's having a biopsy on Monday.

So, an awful lot in a short amount of time and I'm terrified.
But...how do we involve other DD's 13 & 11?
Do we take them on this journey, giving them facts and information (selected obvs)

We're thinking of getting a hotel near the hospital for the nights (2) we'll be away for the biopsy.

Would this be too intense, upsetting or would them staying at home be worse?

Tia x

Sending love & strength to you & your DD

Sending love and strength X stay strong

So sorry to read this. My daughter was diagnosed with leukaemia when she was 4, a few months before starting reception. The diagnosis floored me, but it's surprising how quickly it becomes part of your new normal. During treatment she shared a limo to a charity event , with a local boy who had been treated for rhabdomyosarcoma. My daughter is ten and a half now, and 4 years post treatment. This boy is even further post treatment, and still thriving.

Just to add, there is a Facebook support group called My Kid Has Cancer, which is hugely supportive. Lots of rhabdo parents on there.

I'm so sorry that you and DD and your family are going through this.
Sending you lots of love ❤️

I am so sorry to hear this. I have only heard good things of the marsden. Thinking of you.

So sorry to hear your news. How utterly devastating.

Sending love and strength to you all

How are you OP? Any news on the biopsy results. Your family is in my thoughts and sending you all the positivity in the world xx

So sorry to read this. Sending you and your family positive thoughts.

I'm so sorry you're having to go through something so devastating. I don't know what advice to give but just wanted to offer support your DD is lucky to have you, and your strength is inspiring xx

So sorry OP . Wishing you strength, the best possible support and excellent care. Glad your DD will get treatment in a specialist centre - the Marsden is evidently where she needs to be.

So sorry to hear this. Did today bring any more clarity? Thinking of you and the family.

We've been having lovely,normal summer days just doing small stuff.
I arranged to meet some of her nursery friends in the park yesterday. I'm not particularly close to the other mums-there hasn't been enough time to build relationships as DD only went to nursery 2 mornings a week, but they were just so encouraging and supportive. It was my first time talking about it outside of family. I surprised myself by not crying!

Tomorrow we go to the Marsden, I feel sick at the thought that the calm bubble of the last few days will be ruined. I don't want to hear any more bad news.

Labtest I'm so glad to hear about your DD and her friend, I need to hear some encouraging things right now, and your story is lovely.

DH is trying to cope by becoming a google information gatherer but its beginning to break him. I have to stop him mid conversation sometimes I just can't take on board what he's saying.
And it's all irrelevant anyway as everyone's cancer journey is different.

Again, thank you for all your thoughts, they really are comforting to read

Sending my very best wishes for tomorrow

Thinking of you & your facility today

*family (sorry)

Every best wish. I would steer clear of Google. I'm going through a blob of cancer myself atm. Lots of surgeries, now clear, kpjust radiotherapy and am on pills. Scared myself stupid by reading side effects people having on these pills. I've had a couple of side effects but all handleable. Nothing like the doom and gloom I've read.

The anxiety is the worst thing.

Thinking of you and hoping for the best. Don't be afraid to ask and accept offers of help. People really do want to help out and you'll find support in unexpected spots.

So sorry to hear this - and really wishing the best for you all.

I wish I could help.
Remember that the hospital need to tell you the worst first and to be sure that you understand this. (It is very very difficult to start with sunny ideas about possible outcomes and then to tell you it is worse than thought.) This is especially hard when you need to live on whatever crumbs of hope there are.

You will be hearing the worst possible outcome at this stage but in reality things are likely to be better than this. Hang on to that.

Your daughter is in really good hands. The people looking after her really care and they are excellent at what they do.

Thinking of you and your family today Littlefiend, sending you love and hugs

I am so sorry you are going through. I am away next week, but I live in Sutton if there is anything practical I can do to help, e.g. Drop off boys of shopping. Please feel free to PM me

Been thinking of you all today xx

💐 Hope things went ok for ye

Hope all ok