Thursday, September 1, 2016

Meghan, 5 (Fairbanks, AK) | Cancer


MEGHAN, 5 (Fairbanks, AK) | Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
written by her mother, Holly
photographed by Samantha Ruf Photography  

Meghan got sick November 10, 2015 and we took her to the doctor where we were told it was the flu. I took her back the next day when she didn’t improve, and we were told to go to the emergency room. They did blood tests and told us within 45 minutes that we were being medvaced to Anchorage.


When we got to Anchorage, were we were told Meghan had cancer. They were unsure on which kind. The next day, they did a bone marrow test. On November 13 (her dad’s birthday), we were told it was Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). From there we have started her journey.


Meghan is almost a year into chemotherapy and is making great progress. There have been a lot of ups and downs but she has been so courageous through everything! I love Meghan’s strength! When she gets sick from chemo or doesn't feel good, she still just goes on with life like normal. I love that she can talk to us about what she is feeling, and her fears. 


It’s been hard for me, as her mother, to watch my child be in pain. Hearing her talk about having cancer is difficult, too. I want other families who are facing this diagnosis to know that the fear never goes away. I am always afraid of her getting sick again. This sickness will change your life forever. Not just while in treatment, but even after. 

The biggest change for our family is that now we have to pay extra attention to hand washing, and to where she goes in public. We have to make sure to protect her from germs and dirt to prevent sickness. 


Meghan comes to Anchorage once a month for chemotherapy. She goes to school and plays with other kids, but we have to watch who she is around because her immune system is weaker than a normal child's. Sometimes her leg pain gets her down (kids on chemo can get let pain, and in Meghan, we see a lot of that in school). 

We are all positive and hopeful through her phase of treatment. Now we have been through the worst of things together, so it's like nothing can knock us down. 


We will share links to local resources for families and children battling cancer here later today. 

1 comment:

  1. So proud of both you Meghan and Holly at the strength that you've shown as you've walked this walk. I know Holly you couldn't do all you do without the unrelenting support of Greg holding down the home front, so great job dad. Prayers for continued healing and peace for your family.

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