Natalia was not yet two years old when her mother noticed a series of strange symptoms appearing.
Symptoms
19-month-old Natalia was feverish, which mum Belinda thought might be to do with teething. Then Belinda noticed bruising on Natalia's back and upper arms, a lump on the side of her head, and a large white ulcer in her mouth. One morning, Natalia woke up with bleeding gums.
Diagnosis
Belinda took Natalia to three different doctors, who thought she may have a virus or a haematoma. Eventually they went to Emergency at the Children's Hospital at Westmead. Belinda says the triage nurse took one look at Natalia and told them to come straight through. After testing, a doctor came in, closed the door and told Belinda and her husband Tony that Natalia had cancer in her blood. The pair wailed uncontrollably.
I couldn't look at Nat at the time. I couldn't associate her with cancer.
- Belinda, Natalia's mum
Treatment
Natalia had an emergency blood transfusion that evening and a bone marrow aspiration the following morning. Her central line was put in and later that day her diagnosis was confirmed: Type B acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL).
Natalia began nine months of intense chemotherapy. Her hair started falling out and she became so weak she stopped walking.
A social worker said to me "this will be your home for the next two years.' That's when it really hit home - I had no idea treatment lasted that long.
- Belinda, Natalia's mum
A little brother
Two days before Natalia's central line was removed, her little brother Lucas was born. Belinda didn't know how she'd cope, and was terrified Lucas would get sick too. But thankfully, Lucas was a healthy and happy baby.
After treatment
After 18 months of maintenance therapy, Natalia finished her treatment. In May 2015, the family was thrilled to see her pass her 5-year remission milestone.
Families need to hear the good stories. I craved those stories; they gave me hope.
- Belinda, Natalia's mum
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