Matilda's B-cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia Story

A quick diagnosis 

On the 24 February 2022 our beautiful daughter Matilda was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, she was three years and four months old. From that moment, our world seemed to stop spinning whilst the world around us just carried on. Within the space of 30 hours from taking her to see the GP, she had a diagnosis of Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia, received a general anaesthetic, started chemotherapy treatment, and began steroids. 

Nothing can prepare you 

I had taken Matilda to see her GP as she had symptoms of being incredibly pale, lethargic, had small pin prick bruising, a swollen tummy and was frequently getting colds. I had a feeling deep down that there was something wrong and when the GP asked me what I think it is, my head said cancer. But nothing could have ever prepared us for her to actually receive that diagnosis. 

Matilda The Brave 

We barely had time to process what was happening before we were thrown into the world of cancer. We had to learn quickly what ALL was and what the treatment for it was which we couldn’t have done without the amazing staff at the hospital. I can’t even put into words how proud we are of our wonderful Matilda The Brave. She has been battling this now for almost 17 months and she’s due to finish her treatment in April 2024. 

Treatment so far 

Our beautiful and strong girl has received 561 doses of chemotherapy, 432 blood tests, two port removal surgeries, four bone marrow aspirations, 19 lumbar punctures, 24 general anaesthetics, seven blood and platelet transfusion, 127 days of neutropenia, 75 overnight stays in hospital, 385 days of steroids and trips to clinic, 31 NG tube changes, hair loss, loss of mobility, pain, sickness, mucositis and neuropathic pain. But she is here 17 months later having her first day at school, still fighting, showing strength, showing resilience, showing kindness and love, still smiling her infectious beautiful smile. 

MATILDA THE BRAVE ✨

Hannah, Matilda’s Mum, October 2023 

Update: September 2024

Our wonderful Matilda the brave finished treatment on the 20th April this year, starting the day with her final dose of oral chemotherapy. Dose number 802, and ended her day by ringing the end of treatment bell loud and proud surrounded by her friends and family. 

Since then Matilda has started year one in school, she has joined a local gymnastic class and enjoys swimming classes every weekend, she has enjoyed days out and had the experiences that she has missed out on over the last 2.4 years of treatment. She has energy in abundance and is living her life to the fullest. At 5 years old she has decided that she wants to be an oncologist to help other little girls and boys like her who have cancer. She has the biggest heart. 

The last few years have been incredibly challenging and utterly heart breaking at times but she continued to show the world her beautiful smile and unwavering strength and determination. We’re so proud of our wonderful little girl and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for her, her dreams and aspirations. 

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