Dexter is two and a half years cancer clear... with countless memories in between.
How do we fit that in to a post for Childhood Cancer Awareness Month?
Childhood cancer changes you; forever!
We can't un-see the things we've seen. We can't un-cry the tears and we can't
un-feel the horror. Some memories never go away.
But we can use it, to raise awareness and encourage cancer research support.
We know children can be born with cancer. We thought Dexter was diagnosed young... until we learned of newborns with cancer.
Dexter's cancer was in his liver - hepatoblastoma.
We know that platelet transfusions make you feel sick. We know about the little red dots (petechiae) which are a sign your platelet count is low.
We know there are different forms of chemotherapy, to treat different forms of cancer. We know research is leading to improved treatments of cancer.
We know oncologists talk with colleagues all around the world, to find the best alternative treatments for their patients. Dexter's oncologists saved his hearing by doing this.
We know the chicken pox virus can be fatal to children undergoing chemotherapy, and if exposed, they need a large and painful needle. Dexter came close to being exposed to people with chicken pox, escaping the 'risk zone' by a matter of days.
We know blood counts are taken weekly, and that sometimes, blood it hard to come by. Some days, Dexter seemed to have no blood in him. We know your hair falls out... and your eyebrows and eyelashes. We know some forms of cancer of more frightening, in that the survival risk is much lower. We're so grateful Dexter's cancer was hepatoblastoma, rather than the more aggressive neuroblastoma. We knew it was going to be one of them. (Brain cancer and neuroblastoma survival rates are less than 50%) We know you can't 'catch' childhood cancer, but that the toxins from the chemotherapy treatments are dangerous to unborn babies. We know you sometimes need surgery, to cut the tumour out. |
And yet, three Australian children lose their battle with cancer, every week.
Sadly, Australia has one of the highest incidences of childhood cancer, world-wide, with 600 Australian children diagnosed every year.
We know that childhood cancer is nasty. Scary. Horrible. We know that it can break your family and isolate you. We know it brings nightmares, and impacts on everyone around you.
And so, every time Dexter gets a bruise... or is tired, we wonder... is it back?
Because we know about childhood cancer, every bruise on Dexter's sisters makes us wonder. A rash sends a punch of panic to our stomachs. The fear is ever-present; dormant, but there.
We know the anxiety you feel before the scheduled 'cancer-checks', wondering whether the cancer has come back.
We know that childhood cancer can be beaten.
And, we know that research is the best weapon we have, in fighting cancer.
We tell Dexter's story. We share some photos.
Because, the more you know, the more you are likely to care... and, the more you care, the more you are likely to offer your support.
One way we honour Dexter's cancer battle is through Relay for Life. You can sponsor us here (2015). (You can read more about what Relay means to us here.)
Information in italics is from the Kids Cancer Project website.
Platelets 101 Happy Cordless Anniversary
Cancer Clear – One Year Thanks, Mum and Dad
No Egg End of Chemo – 1 Year Anniversary
Surgeries Chemotherapy
Finding Out & Starting Treatment
Cancer in Photos Dexter’s Hepatoblastoma
Dexter’s Cancer Story Done!
See the Cancer? Lizard
Cheeky Hair My Cancer
Dexter's Cerebral Palsy
Who is Dexter?
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