Peering at the article on the computer screen I felt a familiar rush of tears. As a health visitor, I knew it was a priority to remain on top of medical research but this latest news about drug treatments for cystic fibrosis (CF) sufferers hit a nerve.
It was June 2023 and I had just finished reading a feature about how a leading combination drug was now helping ease lung damage for those living with advanced CF. Average life expectancy for people with CF used to be around 30 to 40 years, but with new drug breakthroughs like this, it may have improved to 70.
It was, of course, wonderful news and would change the life of millions of sufferers worldwide. But not for my one-year-old son Oliver, who was diagnosed with CF in June 2022 when he was just three weeks old.
I’ll never forget the moment my husband Harvey and I found out. Oliver had been given all the usual blood tests when he was five days old and the midwife told us that if something was wrong we’d be contacted. Harvey and I forgot all about it, lost in our little newborn bubble, but then I received a voicemail on 1 June from Queen’s Medical Centre in Nottingham, asking me to bring Oliver in to discuss his blood tests.
By the time Harvey and I saw the consultant I had worked myself up into such a state that I was sure they were going to tell me our son was going to die. Yet I was thoroughly unprepared for the news they did have.
‘Oliver has cystic fibrosis,’ the consultant explained.
Denne historien er fra August 07, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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Denne historien er fra August 07, 2023-utgaven av WOMAN'S OWN.
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'SEEING MY NAME ON TV IS SURREAL'
Loose Women newbie Olivia Attwood Dack on joining the hit show, marriage and career goals
THE MISSING PIECE
My earliest memory of my older sister Priya wasn’t one where she was present, but rather, the realisation of her absence.
WEEKNIGHT WINNERS
Rustle up these tasty family dinners with just five easy ingredients
SMILING THROUGH CANCER
Like most mums, when my kids are upset I’ll do almost anything to turn their frowns upside down, whether it’s making Max, 11, his favourite chocolate cake or putting on silly voices for Georgia, eight, when she’s had a bad day at school.
BRAVERY AMIDST SUCH HORROR
The Woman's Own columnist has her say on dinner time, posh grub and wet summers
RELAX & RESET
For farm-to-table food and a game-changing spa, head for the dramatic Dolomites
HELP! I'M TURNING INTO MY MUM
As the years pass, Heather Main, 39, realises she’s inheriting more and more of her mother’s traits
I WAS MISTAKEN FOR MY HUSBAND'S MISTRESS!
When Gemma Loveden, 38, lost l6st, a family member was convinced she was someone else...
Denise confesses I'MA MORNING SEX PERSON'
Never one to mince her words, Denise Welch is much-loved by fans for her refreshing honesty.
Cat & Ben SNUBBED!
Are the This Morning hosts feeling disgruntled after missing out on an NTA nomination in favour of Alison?
