As I cradled my baby in front of the twinkling tree, reflections of the fairy lights sparkled and danced in her wide eyes. I'd always loved this time of year but my very first Christmas as a new mum felt extra special. It was December 2017 and Apollonia - Apple for short - had arrived months earlier, on 7 September. My husband Uriah and I were in a newborn bubble that Christmas and, over the next couple of years, as Apple began to understand the excitement of the holiday season, we enjoyed making family traditions. We'd hang decorations, bake gingerbread, giggle at pantomimes, hunt for icicles on frosty days and scatter reindeer food' with our neighbours children on Christmas Eve.
In February 2020, our second daughter, Tallulah - 'Lula' - arrived to join the fun. Apple was thrilled to have a sister, but then Apple found joy in everything, whether at nursery or playing in the park. Only, as the next summer came round, when she was three, she wasn't her cheery self.
'My tummy hurts,' she announced, in June 2021, rubbing her abdomen and pushing away her food. At first, our GP prescribed antibiotics for a urine infection but weeks passed and she was still unwell. She then said that her right leg hurt. A hospital scan, on 9 August 2021, brought terrifying news.
There are growths on Apple's abdomen,' an oncologist explained, at Bristol Children's Hospital.
*Cancer?" I asked, voice trembling, and the doctor nodded. Further tests revealed it was 'high-risk', Stage 4 neuroblastoma. There was a huge tumour in her abdomen, stretching from her diaphragm to her pelvis and the cancer had spread to her blood and bones, with 'hotspots' all over her body. Clutching Uriah's hand I asked the one question no parents should have to face.
GRUELLING TREATMENT
Denne historien er fra December 04, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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Denne historien er fra December 04, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
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MIND OF MY OWN
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on the gender gap, cats and timed hugs
Check out CHICAGO
With a spectacular skyline, sandy beaches and great food, the Windy City is calling, says Zoe West
LET'S EMBRACE OUR CHRISTMAS TAT!
Becky Dickinson explains why she'll still be rocking around her tinsel-strewn tree this year
BURIED SECRETS
We look at the shocking cases of celebrities posthumously accused of being sexual predators-and how they got away with it
FESTIVE NO-BAKES
Pop on the Christmas tunes and whip up a batch of these easy sweet treats
PROTECT YOUR SMILE
Are you doing enough to look after your teeth and gums?
'TIS THE SEASON TO SHINE!
At last, Hayley McCrossan, 39, feels fit and healthy
FOR THE LOVE OF TOM
When Deborah Mitchell, 57, lost her son, she vowed to help other families facing the same heartbreak
THE NURSE WHO LEFT MY GRANDAD FOR DEAD belict
Rachael Fealey, 31, had one question for the woman who killed her beloved Grampa - how could you?
Coleen's MONEY WORRIES
What are the reasons behind her financial and marriage fears?