When I grow up

Rachel, Suki’s mum, explains…

Three years of being immersed in hospital life, exposed to traumatic procedures, gruelling treatment, day after day spent in isolation; you’d be forgiven for feeling scared of hospitals, of doctors and nurses. Yet when asked what she wants to be when she’s older, Suki replies “a doctor.” The kindness, care and compassion shown by every single person we have come into contact with throughout her treatment is the reason Suki feels this way. These people, from consultants to cleaners, nurses to play staff and everyone in between are such incredibly special human beings. People who, every single time we’ve needed them, have been there for us. So often going above and beyond in everything they do. They really are amazing. I’m not sure whether Suki really will pursue a career in medicine. She’s a very creative and caring girl and may follow a different path entirely. One thing is certain, we’ll be proud to support her in whatever she dreams of doing.

Gemma, Sophia’s mum explains…

The side effects have been really tough for Sophia. She has a persistent tremor in her hands and she suffered a seizure from one of her treatments. We just do what we can do every day. Sophia is so resilient. She takes a lot of things in her stride so we just hope that those start to improve, the further we get away from treatment. I first heard of Children with Cancer UK on the ward. It was probably one of the many sleepless nights that I had where I stayed up searching about different treatments and I came across the charity and all the amazing work that they do in terms of finding better, kinder treatments for children. We actually went on the UKALL2011 trial that’s pioneered by the charity which helps produce more effective treatment for children like Sophia.

Losing my hearing during chemotherapy did indeed shape my life to a huge extent. It wasn’t the cancer itself but the after effects caused by it. I have risen to the challenge however. Childhood cancer did in a way shape my life.

Though I have had the occasional medical side effect from the chemotherapy treatment that treats the cancer growing up, I would say it has been more influential on me psychologically and as a person. I have faced the cosmetic complications of weakened teeth (many have broken) and too many unable to grow fully. Then there was the removal of my tonsils and two growths from the chest. Both cases potentially cancerous years after treatment, but fortunately benign. In terms of shaping me as an individual, the experience of having Cancer has led me being used to going in and out of hospitals all through life. Memories remembered or captured on film or camera are dominated with chbyildhood without any hair, transparent skin, surrounded by family trying to keep a brave face. But I think the biggest long term side effect, which I appreciate, is empathy. I understand and relate to others going through cancer and want to help.

Abbie, Bella-Rose’s mum explains…

I do think that childhood cancer and the long term side effects will shape Bella’s life. She’s going to have to be cautious in the sun as she’s at a high chance of developing skin cancer – which means year round sun block. Her infertility is going to be a massive thing for her to adapt to. Her experience has altogether shaped her. Her anxieties can be extreme – she’s so afraid of dying now it’s heart breaking.