Picking up my phone, I was greeted by my daughter Kathryn’s familiar voice. ‘Can you help me pick the kids up from school?’ she asked. It was November 2021, and I only lived a few miles away so I was always happy to help out. Kathryn, 33, was a carer and worked really hard. Along with her brother Richard, we were a really close family. I’d split from their dad years ago but my children and grandchildren meant everything to me and I saw them all often.
Kathryn had just bought and moved into her first house with her husband Mark and their three kids Max, then 11, Emily, eight, and Charlotte, four. With December fast approaching, they were so excited for their first Christmas in their new home.
Collecting the kids later that afternoon, Kathryn met me at the school gates, clutching her side. I think I’ve pulled something, she winced. She’d been on a moving and handling course at her carer job earlier that day, so we just put it down to her overdoing things.
But days passed and her pain only got worse. Her GP was worried that it might be kidney stones so she was sent straight to AGE. There, they took blood and booked her in for an ultrasound to search for kidney stones or a blood clot on her lungs. A few days later, the pain in her side had subsided, but a shadow was found on her liver.
‘Ineed to go for an MRI, she sighed, when I popped in for a cup of tea. She didn’t seem worried so I tried my best not to overthink things. Besides, I kept reminding myself that she was only 33 surely too young and healthy for it to be anything sinister.
Denne historien er fra December 19, 2022-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.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 19, 2022-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.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
'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?