Commencing with Treatment

After a long and emotional five-week delay, we are finally back on treatment for Betsie, and what a relief it is to say those words.

The past several weeks have felt incredibly heavy. When your child is fighting cancer, and interruption in treatment can feel terrifying. The waiting, the uncertainty, the endless 'what ifs' - they have a way of creeping in during the quiet moments. Not knowing when chemotherapy would restart was one of the hardest parts. It felt like standing still when all we wanted to do was keep on moving forward.

But now, we are back on track!

Betsie restarted her chemotherapy back at Piam Brown ward in Southampton, and while the treatment is strong and relentless and has left her a little out of sorts, we are so grateful it's doing exactly what it's meant to do - fighting for her. She's been more tired. A bit quieter. Just not quiet herself at times. But even on the hard days, she is still our brave, beautiful girl. Her strength continues to amaze us.

Chemotherapy is no small thing. It takes it toll on the body. But having it back in place feels like regaining some control after weeks of helpfulness. The weight of worrying about the cancer returning or progressing during the delay has been overwhelming. Now, knowing we are actively fighting again brings us a real deep sense of relief.

There is comfort in being 'back on plan.' Back in the rhythm of appointments, oral medication and forward motion. There isn't a road we would ever choose, but it's one we are walking together now - with hope.

Right now, we are focusing on the small victories. A smile. A moment of laughter. The ability to play outside on her scooter, even if only a small amount of time. These ordinary things feel extraordinary for us.

We know there will be many more ups and downs ahead. Cancer journeys rarely move in a straight line. But today, we are choosing gratitude. Gratitude for the doctors, the nurses, the medicine, and every person standing beside us. Gratitude that after 5 long week, we are no longer waiting - we are finally moving forward.

Most of all we are grateful for Betsie. Her strength and courage humbles us every single day.

We are back on treatment. We are back on track. And tonight, for the first time in weeks, we are breathing just a little easier.