Freia’s never been sick. I remember maybe 1 time in 8 years she’s taken antibiotics. We always said she had super immunity. She was looking tired during the spring up to the summer- we have a very intense schedule with end of school, dance performances, competitions, and generally a lot of non-stop activities. I noticed something was “off” when
Prior to this- she had lots of injuries- leg pains (we thought it was growing pains), back and neck pains (we and the pediatrician thought she pulled her back at the dance competition)- never would anyone imagine cancer
She’s been through surgery and multiple lumbar punctures. We struggle daily with keeping it together and trying to move forward with a brave face in front of Freia but the anxiety and fear are high in us. We are still trying to move forward as a two working parent family because we know treatments are expensive. Most families, one parent stops working and manages the diagnosis and I can 100% see why. As the main caretaker of the family, it truly is hard to manage work, sibling, activities, homeschooling, and leukemia all at the same time. The struggle is real but I try to stay positive.
We were once a family that traveled a lot and was never inside the home much. We are an outdoorsy family and full of love and laughter. We are homebound a lot due to neutropenia and fear of her picking up an illness that will send her to PICU.
It’s hard seeing your child suffer even though she has the BEST attitude. With managing all this, I forget to laugh anymore for I’m focused on getting her well. There’s a strain because we are exhausted but we try to make life as normal as we can. I guess a new definition of life for now.
Hope session by Sarah Siller Photography | Facebook | Instagram