"I really do live in the moment and try to do as much with my children as my physical limitations allow."
Hannah was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer, when her baby was just one month old.
I was advised I had pulled muscles in my back and that as my body was expanding due to pregnancy my muscles would ache. I also had some protein in my urine and anemia but this was never investigated further. I will never forget the first words my consultant told me. That my cancer was incurable. My immediate thoughts were the things I'd miss out on.
I shied away from visiting my Star baby in hospital (he was born 11 weeks early) as I thought that he was better off not getting to know me if I was dying.
My mum quit her job to move over 100 miles to live with me and my family whilst I was going through chemo. My daughter was two and a half at the time of diagnosis and my Star baby was just one month old.
I was confined to my couch for so long because of the pain I was in and side effects of chemo. The first time I did a food shopping, even in a wheelchair, I knew that my life was turning round! For the first time I could throw snacks into the trolley without having to ask someone to get them for me!
I've now learned to live with my diagnosis. I really do live in the moment and try to do as much with my children as my physical limitations allow.
My cancer has left me disabled due to broken bones. I can no longer stand for long periods, cook or even dress myself properly. It has made me realise how short life is and that making memories is important.
Mummy's Star are always there for me. I am lucky in that I have a great support network in family and friends, but they do not know what I am going through mentally all the time. The Mummy's Star forum has been great for asking a question that no one close to me would be able to help with. Tracey and Louise are two amazing selfless ladies who would drop everything to help you. They are a complete credit to Mummy's Star.
The biggest piece of advice I can give is DO NOT GOOGLE. The Internet is the least accurate place for statistics or advice. Always speak to your consultant or nurse if you have any worries. And take photographs. Even when you are looking awful, ask your partner, parent, friend or family member to take photos of you with your children.
Hannah x
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