The Best and Worst Year: A New Baby and Sister Diagnosed with Cancer
New mum Georgia takes a moment to share and reflect on her sister's terminal cancer diagnosis.
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You hear about the statistics of 1 in 2 people getting cancer and you brush it off a bit and think (or hope) that it won't happen to you or anyone close to you. And you definitely don't think it will be someone younger than you in your family. Unfortunately, that wasn't the case for me. My sister was diagnosed with terminal bowel cancer four months after I become a first-time mum. She was only 32 and has two young gorgeous kids herself.
I was with her when she was diagnosed and can honestly say it was the worst day of my life. My little sister is my best friend and such a big part of me and my kids' lives, so I took the news pretty hard but tried to stay strong for her and the rest of my family.
Since my sister was diagnosed I've had another baby so I only went back to work for three months before heading on maternity leave again as I found I was resenting being at work and not being able to spend enough time with her- given it's now so finite. I'm so glad that I've had that time off as I see her a few times a week now and have a chance to make more memories together.
Last year was both the best and worst year. Being a new mum was amazing but hard enough without dealing with this as well. I think having my girls has been the thing that has got me through it and stopped me from crumbling. I've needed the distraction and a different focus. I think without them I would have constantly been thinking about the 'what ifs' and making myself more upset.
I think it's helped my sister as well as she loves my babies and having cuddles. There's something about cuddling a new born that makes you think of the possibilities and what a miracle life is. She's set on making the most of her life and not sweating the small things. Which we all do for some reason!
My sister has made me so proud with how strong and positive she's been. She's raised awareness and money for charity. Including organising a masquerade ball with all the proceeds going to Bowel Cancer UK. She's been such an inspiration and touched so many lives. Obviously, I already knew how amazing she was but now everyone can see that.
It puts everything into perspective and has helped me realise what really is important. My family being the top priority. I never thought I would have children but it's the best thing in the world. Something my sister always told me it would be. I'm so glad that she has got to meet them and want her in their lives for as long as possible. I just hope they grow up as close as me and my sister are and are as strong and determined as she is.
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