So far, this journey is utterly heartbreaking to say the least. It’s a living nightmare that I want us all to wake up from. It is so complex explaining to a five year old that she will lose her hair and trying to talk about it in a way that will not worry or frighten her too much. Also, helping Maya’s big brother, Theo understand what is happening to his sister feels impossible. Maya’s diagnosis has transformed our family life.
However, Maya has been such a warrior throughout the chemotherapy that she has endured. She is now entering cycle seven of nine. The chemotherapy involves two nights of IVs in the first week and a second week of outpatient chemotherapy for five days. Fortunately, she was also accepted on to the FaR-RMS trial and will shortly start proton therapy at the Christie, Manchester for six weeks.
Maya has amazed us every single day, she has completed a 5k cancer research race and also competed in her first ever gymnastic competition during this time. Maya’s energy and bravery throughout all of this brings me to tears writing this. You truly are the biggest inspiration, Maya. We will never ever take a ‘ normal day ‘ for granted ever again! You really do not know what is around the corner, we are now the family asking for everyone’s help.