Lucy Devine
Warning: This article contains discussion of child cancer which some readers may find distressing.
A family were left devastated after their baby's 'ordinary cold' turned out to be a rare blood cancer.
Last April, baby Melody came down with what at first seemed like a regular cold. But when her symptoms became more severe and she was struggling to breathe or feed, her parents Rachel-Elizabeth Hewitt and Kevin Aggett, from Poole, Dorset, took her straight to hospital.
Hours later and doctors discovered that Melody had acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) which is a type of blood cancer.
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AML is an aggressive cancer of the monocyte or granulocyte cells. Symptoms can include looking pale; feeling tired or weak; breathlessness; frequent infections; unusual and frequent bruising or bleeding and weight loss.
Melody was immediately transferred to paediatric intensive care in Southampton, where she began chemotherapy as well as blood and platelet transfusions.
She was later transferred to Great Ormond Street for a bone marrow transplant, where she is currently receiving treatment.
Mum Rachel said: "The first consultant thought it was bronchiolitis, which can cause breathing problems. They wanted to send Melody home.
"Luckily she was seen by another consultant who fitted Melody with a nasogastric (NG) tube and kept her in overnight.
"The next day Melody was examined by yet another consultant, who ordered a GAS (blood gas) test."
AML is a rare type of cancer, with around 3,100 people diagnosed with it each year in the UK.
Rachel added: “It didn’t feel real. I was so shocked, I had to ask the consultant to repeat her words. Hearing those words was like a stabbing pain in my heart.
"We do as much as possible with Melody – playing with her and giving lots of cuddles and love. She’s an inspiration, because she’s smiled and giggled throughout, whereas I have cried continuously. She’s such a fighter even when feeling poorly.”
Among all the challenges, Cuddles - a special Warmies heatable teddy bear - has been providing comfort for Melody, via Cancer Support UK's Cuddles for Christmas appeal.
“This warmable bear is wonderfully comforting and brings a smile to Melody’s face," said Rachel. "It’s the perfect size for her and we are so grateful to everyone who donated and ensured Melody received her cute ted.
"It’s been a godsend at this difficult time.”
Mark Guymer, CEO of Cancer Support UK, said: “These bears are so much more than soft toys - they’re special lavender-scented sensory teds that can be gently warmed in a microwave.
"Their comforting weight and soothing warmth provide a sense of calm and reassurance for children facing the challenges of cancer treatment.
“For a child spending Christmas in hospital, treatment can be a frightening and isolating experience. A warm cuddle from one of our bears can help ease stress and anxiety, offering a moment of comfort and care when it’s needed most. This year, we’re aiming to send 1,200 Cuddles bears to children’s cancer wards across the UK.
"It’s an ambitious appeal, but with the public’s support, we can make sure that every child facing cancer this Christmas receives a bear and knows that someone is thinking of them.”
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.