Madelaine had been unwell for several weeks; lethargy, swollen glands in her neck, a high temperature and she was off her food and sleeping all the time. We has visited the GP 3 times within this time. After speaking to many staff at the hospital, it is clear now that Madelaine's symptoms were almost exactly like those of a virus. Apparently, GP's only ever come across leukaemia patient once in their career. I don't hold any grudges. As far as I am concerned, she is still here now, getting treated and we are hopeful that she will be as fit as a fiddle after her treatment has ended.
We were advised that Madelaine had a virus and medication would not work. After almost 4/5 weeks, we took Madelaine to an emergency Doctors as it was a Saturday. He again, advised us that Madelaine had a virus. He wasn't concerned about her temperature being so high (over 39). He even advised us not to give her Calpol to reduce her temperature.....
8 hours later we found ourselves at Leeds General Infirmary. It was about 1 am. Immediately the staff moved us into the Resusitation Room. There were staff all over the place. It felt surreal. Madelaine was laid on the bed limp, hot and looked very ill. We had no idea how ill.
After about 90 minutes, one of the consultants and a nurse approached us. We were told that our Daughter was 'very poorly'. She had a blood disorder. Even at this point I didn't quite know what that meant. Dave asked the dreaded question, 'Are you saying that this could be Leukaemia?' I nearly passed out when he asked that because in my mind, of course it wasn't Leukaemia.
It was.
Our Daughter has Leukaemia.
Madelaine's Journey With Leukaemia
Welcome to 'Madelaine's Journey with Leukaemia'.
This is a site about my Daughter, Madelaine.
Madelaine was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia when she was 14 months old.
The purpose of this site has many facets. Firstly, we (Mummy and Daddy aka Lisa Howe and David Armistead) find it therapeutic to look back on her journey through her illness. We believe she will get better with every breath in our bodies and we want her to read this in her adulthood and wonder what all the fuss was about!
It is for our families and close friends in the hope that they too may have a deeper understanding of her illness and also the issues surrounding it. Also, other parents that find themselves with seriously ill children may find some comfort knowing that they are not on their own. We are are all on this journey together.
Mostly, this is for Madelaine.
One day she will read this and realise her parents have gone mad.........
And she will know how much she is loved..
Dave and I would like to also thank everyone who has supported us throughout Madelaine's illness.
Many people have asked what they can do to help us. Well, we have created a fundraising page on behalf of Madelaine and ourselves with proceeds going to the Candlelighters Trust. The Trust help children with cancer and their families. They have helped us. Unfortunately, there will always be children with cancer and there will always be a need for Candlelighters. So if you want to help, please donate and click on http://www.justgiving.com/madelaineeve
Also, Madelaine and children like her rely on the availability of blood. Madelaine has had many blood transfusions. So if you don't already, please give blood if you can.
And please continue to say your prayers.
Thank you. x
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5 comments:
It only took auntie ta ta 3 hours to get onto this site!!! Im very proud of my sister maddies mummy and daddy for setting this up I think its a fantastic idea. Since Maddies diagnosis on 4th June there have been some very scary moments for our family as she has had some really poorly times but for the couple of weeks our special baby Mads has been doing excellent .For the days ahead we all know arent going to be easy but this part of our lives now so we take one day at a time. Maddie is a very much loved girl and we are all really proud of her, her mummy & Daddy and 2 sisters Rainer & Beth. She has most definately taught us all something over the last few months.
I am maddy's big sister, Raina. I would just like to say a few words because in my eyes this is important for close family & friends to know how i feel, and everyoe else! The day i foud out about maddy was a shock but straight away you go into 'coping mode!'It has been hard & will continue to be hard. However this wont be forever and thats the only thing thats keeping me and others going, is to know that our little t.p (maddy)will be fine soon without a doubt!!! My Dad and step Mum (Lisa) are the strongest people i know & i really look up 2 them both i know my other sister Beth does too. I would just like to say one last thing, and that is that i am so grateful for all the support especially my Mum, Bestfriend & my Boyfriend so thank you!!:) Keep going everyone, because i know i will for my little sister Maddy! xXx
Hi this is maddy's other big sister,Beth.I was there for the start when maddy was diagnosed with Leukaemia it was heart breaking for me and everyone else.But all my frieds keep on saying stay strong because then she will know that she has your strength aswell as other peoples.I sometimes pray at nights and cry two myself and ask myself why Maddy but there is no answear for my question.So I would just like too say keep strong Maddy and others can you pray for her as much as I do because it would really help me and my family who have gone through such a hard time on this journey.
Simon, Angela, Hannah & James Spindley wish all the very best to Madelaine and her parents. I (Simon) have known Lisa for several years, but not had the pleasure of meeting Maddie. Once she is well we would love to meet her and our two (Hannah & James) I am sure will make good play mates. Lisa knows if we can ever help with anything, she just has to call. Here's looking to the future and maybe I'll cook something nice for you again !
Take Care,
Simon
Hi This is Maddies Aunty Syrup! Maddy is my very best baby friend!!!!Madeline and her whole family have had a really tough time over the last few months.But I have never heard Dave or Lisa moaning. They have been strong and I know they will continue to be,plus they know they have a strong team of family and friends behind them all the way.If I'm having a bad day for any reason I think of Maddy and a smile appears on my face,So thank you Maddy!
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