Calleigh was diagnosed in February of 2021. Before diagnosis, we noticed a large lump on their neck that seemed to come from nowhere- no other symptoms at that time, but within a week they developed pain, muscle weakness, night sweats, and hot flashes.
Calleigh had initial surgery for the biopsy, bone marrow draw, and insertion of a PICC line (a port could not initially be placed due to a large mass in their chest). They receive chemotherapy every 2 weeks- it is done outpatient but it is always a very long day. Three months into treatment the chest mass had shrunk so Calleigh had another surgery to remove the PICC line and place the port.
Being a teenager is hard enough, but being a teenager with cancer is extra hard. The loss of hair was very difficult, they have been struggling with anxiety, depression, and gender identity issues because of all this.
We have had to make lots of adjustments- our family has become very isolated because we fear seeing others and bringing infections to Calleigh. Calleigh has lost interest in a lot of things they used to like. The stress of caring for them has been felt by my husband and myself, but also by Calleigh’s older brother and sister.
Hope session by AC Photography | Facebook | Instagram