Duygu’s family story
After Duygu was diagnosed with leukaemia, her mother battled with caring for her sick child, while also trying to raise Duygu’s baby sister. She became emotionally drained and needed someone to turn to. We were there for her.
Duygu's diagnosis.
Duygu was a happy, healthy and active child up until she was 5 years old. She had never been to hospital or needed to use any medication. Just before she was diagnosed, she had a continuous cold and pain in her knees. She had also lost her appetite and started losing weight.
Her mother Nese, took her daughter to her GP, who sent them home with a course of
antibiotics, but she didn’t get any better. Nese knew she wasn’t right, so took Duygu to A&E. They examined her and said she looked fine, but her Mother persisted and eventually her GP carried out blood tests.
A day later she was diagnosed with Leukaemia.
I kept denying it. I said, no, this must, you know, this must be something else. And I couldn’t eat, I couldn’t sleep. I couldn’t be like my old myself.
Duygu's treatment.
Emotional turmoil.
Duygu’s younger sister was only 9 months old when Duygu was diagnosed with leukaemia, therefore throughout the 2 years and 3 months of her treatment their mother, Nese, was trying to juggle being at hospital and at home with her baby daughter. It wasn’t easy, Nese was emotionally drained and felt depressed.
While Duygu was receiving her chemotherapy and steroids, her emotions were greatly affected. Duygu had lost her energy and joy, and instead was displaying aggression and would cry for hours. Nessie had to deal with Duygu’s changing moods, while also making time to look after her baby.
I was so emotionally exhausted but knew I had to carry on.
We were there.
Our Family Support Team were able to be there for Duygu’s family during this extremely traumatic time. Nese used our 24-hour support line to speak to our team and share her worries. We offered a listening ear, a shoulder to cry on and someone to talk to during her darkest days, to help Duygu’s Mother cope with all that comes with a childhood cancer diagnosis.
We had to change our daily routines because [Duygu] was on chemotherapy. I couldn’t call my friends, I couldn’t go out. I was depressed and [Lennox] were there for us.
In need of emotional support?
We know that dealing with childhood cancer can be emotionally exhausting, receive support from our team here.