BiographyArran was born in 2019, I initially went into labour at 32 weeks but the doctors managed to stop him. I then went overdue and had to be induced, he knows his own mind and is determined to be independent and to do everything his way. He is quite confident and loves to be around others. He has the best laugh which is so infectious and the most beautiful smile. He is a happy little boy who loves to play and get up to mischief.
Our world collapsed around us when he was diagnosed. We were on holiday with family when we noticed more and more bruises appearing. There was no explanation for them and he didn't know how they had happened. Some were so large and aggressive it didn't make sense. Then small pinprick bruises started appearing and he started to say he was too tired to walk. We went to the GP and before we knew it we were in hospital being told he had leukaemia.
Arran has been through so much since August last year. He was only 3 when diagnosed and suddenly was in hospital for weeks with strangers sticking in needles, pumping him full of different chemos. He's had NG tubes, ulcers in his mouth and has been to theatre over and over. He's had 3 ports, 2 failed, and a Hickmann line. Anytime he has a temperature he is admitted for a minimum of 48hrs.
The treatment for leukaemia is 3 and a half years for boys and he is on the most intensive regime. His life now consists of oral chemo every night, a second oral chemo once a week, IV chemo once a month along with 5 days of steroids and intrathecal chemo once every 3 months in theatre. He gets tired, he's behind his peers with energy and has been isolated from other children for a year. He has a finger prick blood test at a minimum every 2 weeks.
He still has a long way to go in treatment but the doctors are happy with his progress. We are terrified every day of relapse but we have to trust that right now he is doing well and everything is looking positive.
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