Treat for Holly
Donation protected
I thought long and hard about doing this as many know how proud and private I am, but sometimes we have to swallow our pride. Close family, friends and colleagues know of our life changing circumstances.
I am a hard working and single mum to my beautiful daughter Holly.
24th March, the day after lockdown, Holly had an emergency ultrasound because of swelling from her hip down, and increasing excruciating pain in her leg, pain she has suffered with for months. Doctors originally diagnosed as Osgood Schlatter, then her Patella in her knee. Within 2 hours of her ultrasound, doctors informed us Holly has a tumour, the size of a grapefruit in her pelvis. To be told my baby has cancer was shattering! Every fear and dread whirled inside my head, and much of what the doctors said is a blur, whilst Holly sat pale and motionless. We had numerous visits to JR hospital Oxford where Holly had marrow, bone and tumour biopsies. A tense week went by before it was confirmed Holly has Ewing Sarcoma! Words cannot express how we felt and the daunting future ahead. After diagnosis, treatment would start only two days later! No time to mentally prepare yourself! To date Holly has been fitted with a Hickman line in her chest, which will stay for the duration of treatment. Had an Ovarian Cryopreservation, to preserve an ovary because the intensive chemotherapy would probably make Holly infertile. Almost 2 weeks after chemo started, Holly's weight plummeted to 39kg. She had extensive ulcers in her mouth and throat. She was unable to keep food, liquid or medication down and was constantly being sick, resulting in a fever and 5 days in isolation. Currently we are in Manchester for 7 weeks where Holly is also receiving Proton Beam Radiotherapy, a specific and targeted beam to eradicate the cells. Again informed of infertility and damage to her womb. The effects to her skin are unbearable to see, which looks burnt and raw. Today she has been issued with a wheelchair to hopefully ease her pain and discomfort.
Being a single parent, obviously I have been with Holly every step of the way 24/7, from initially arriving home with 3 bags full of medication, learning and administering, to giving injections, cradling her when she's in floods of tears in pain or thoroughly fed up. She has regular spasms caused by stress and anxiety. I have tried to stay calm, composed and positive, but it's bloody hard work! We declined an operation to remove half of Holly's hip (Icecream Cone hip replacement) I just pray it's the right decision.
I absolutely appreciate this is a difficult time for everyone, but being away from home, from our support network is taking it's toll.
I have cut a 'very' long story short! It's Holly's 14th birthday 23rd December, and with your help would love to make it extra special for her. Goodness knows she deserves it. Thankyou for taking the time to read this XX
I am a hard working and single mum to my beautiful daughter Holly.
24th March, the day after lockdown, Holly had an emergency ultrasound because of swelling from her hip down, and increasing excruciating pain in her leg, pain she has suffered with for months. Doctors originally diagnosed as Osgood Schlatter, then her Patella in her knee. Within 2 hours of her ultrasound, doctors informed us Holly has a tumour, the size of a grapefruit in her pelvis. To be told my baby has cancer was shattering! Every fear and dread whirled inside my head, and much of what the doctors said is a blur, whilst Holly sat pale and motionless. We had numerous visits to JR hospital Oxford where Holly had marrow, bone and tumour biopsies. A tense week went by before it was confirmed Holly has Ewing Sarcoma! Words cannot express how we felt and the daunting future ahead. After diagnosis, treatment would start only two days later! No time to mentally prepare yourself! To date Holly has been fitted with a Hickman line in her chest, which will stay for the duration of treatment. Had an Ovarian Cryopreservation, to preserve an ovary because the intensive chemotherapy would probably make Holly infertile. Almost 2 weeks after chemo started, Holly's weight plummeted to 39kg. She had extensive ulcers in her mouth and throat. She was unable to keep food, liquid or medication down and was constantly being sick, resulting in a fever and 5 days in isolation. Currently we are in Manchester for 7 weeks where Holly is also receiving Proton Beam Radiotherapy, a specific and targeted beam to eradicate the cells. Again informed of infertility and damage to her womb. The effects to her skin are unbearable to see, which looks burnt and raw. Today she has been issued with a wheelchair to hopefully ease her pain and discomfort.
Being a single parent, obviously I have been with Holly every step of the way 24/7, from initially arriving home with 3 bags full of medication, learning and administering, to giving injections, cradling her when she's in floods of tears in pain or thoroughly fed up. She has regular spasms caused by stress and anxiety. I have tried to stay calm, composed and positive, but it's bloody hard work! We declined an operation to remove half of Holly's hip (Icecream Cone hip replacement) I just pray it's the right decision.
I absolutely appreciate this is a difficult time for everyone, but being away from home, from our support network is taking it's toll.
I have cut a 'very' long story short! It's Holly's 14th birthday 23rd December, and with your help would love to make it extra special for her. Goodness knows she deserves it. Thankyou for taking the time to read this XX
Organizer
Amy Milner
Organizer
