It was year ago on 08 April, that I went with Ella to get her MRI scan results. It was a sunny Friday evening and we were just pleased that everything was happening quickly, we were going to finally find out what had been causing Ella all the recent pain in her shoulder.
It never occurred to me that it would be "really" bad news - but as soon as we walked in the room, I knew something was wrong. "I'm really sorry, but its not good news - there is something in the bone that does not look right. You need to go and see a specialist team in Oxford - next week". "What do you mean not right"? Of course the Doctor we were talking too could not give us any answers and the C word was not specifically used - although it was already lurking and snarling like some hideous monster.
We then faced a long weekend of waiting and as many of you know we went to Oxford the following Tuesday to categorically be told there was a tumour - but it was benign and not malignant. An operation would be needed and Ella would be out of action for a few months - but all very treatable. So we set off down that route with energy, determination and optimism.
All went well for a few months and then in July as Ella's arm swelled and the pain returned - the monster stopped lurking and came out fighting, it was no longer benign but now malignant and instead of saying the C word - CANCER was the common language. The official re diagnosis date was August 26 2012.
It's painful to write the above down - it brings back so many terrible memories of the past twelve months - pain, shock, fear, anger, disbelief, frustration. Annus horribilis - does not even come close!
Ella has Osteosarcoma - according to Cancer Research website, its a rare form of cancer - with only about 150 cases being diagnosed a year in the UK. The Macmillan site says 400 cases. As a reminder Ella has secondary cancer cells in her lungs (metastases).
Everybody with Cancer has a unique journey and the people around them equally have a unique and personal journey - we are certainly on ours.
Jo, I cannot believe it is a year. I remember Mum had telling me last March that my two elder nieces were "under the weather". I had no idea of the challenge you all had ahead, and that 12 months on you would still be facing up to this, but now without the support of Mum. Still, Sunday afternoon was great and a reminder that families are there to rally together and help each other through the worse of challenges.
ReplyDeleteYes - totally - families are wonderful as are friends
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