A grandad has revealed how vital cancer treatment “robbed” his granddaughter’s life as she’s developed a series of health issues – and now her future and time left is unclear.
Sam Price and his wife, Jan, were looking forward to having a sleepover with their granddaughter, Sorrelle.
But the next morning, all of that changed.
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The tot, who was only 10 months old, appeared lethargic, quiet and wouldn’t eat her breakfast – and so he told her mum, Gemma 34, to keep an eye on her.
After bruises developed on the inside of her left leg, they rushed to hospital and it was confirmed Sorrelle had leukaemia.
Now, after 10 years, she’s still no better; suffering from chronic kidney disease, partial sight and hearing loss, as well as being on medication for life as a result of treatment.
They’re sharing her story to raise awareness, especially as it’s currently Childhood Cancer Awareness Month.
“Sorrelle has been through a lot already in her short life,” the business owner, from Manchester, told Need To Know.
“She’s lost her hair multiple times and due to steroids, put on a lot of water weight.
“There are many scars due to her cancer journey, however she is not afraid to show them off.
“After the leukaemia, we were told that she was fortunate enough to survive.
“And while [her health issues now] seem unfair, bearing that in mind, we thank the Heavens that she’s here with us unlike many other children with cancer.
“Her start in life wasn’t like other kids; but she’s trying now to make up for it [despite life throwing hurdles her way].”
Sam, 61, says hearing the news of her diagnosis will “haunt him” for the rest of his life.
Sorrelle was placed into Manchester Royal Children’s Hospital where she remained over a three years period.
The family worried if they would have a future with her.
He said: “It was incredibly difficult and scary.
“I lost my father to cancer and my greatest fear was losing Sorrelle, too.
“My understanding was that it simply kills.
“And that’s the thought I carried with me.”
Sorrelle underwent multiple rounds of chemotherapy, blood and platelet transfusions daily and also received antibiotics through Hickman lines.
She also had lumbar punctures and part bowel removal surgery.
The now 10-year-old suffered with sepsis, septicaemia and stage one kidney failure during this time.
And, as she was unable to eat solid foods, a stoma bag and nose tubes were fitted.
In September 2016, Sorrelle rang the bell and was deemed in remission.
But then the real nightmare began.
Sam said: “She had a spiked temperature and was admitted to hospital.
“After being hooked up to multiple machines, it showed that her calcium levels were dangerously low and her body was going into shock.
“Her kidneys were starting to fail.
“Luckily, the medical team were able to get this under control, though, at this point, it was discovered she has nephrocalcinosis.
“Her body can’t store calcium and so she needs help maintaining this with medication, which is lifetime condition.”
She was also diagnosed with hypoparathyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the hormone which regulates calcium levels in the blood.
And that’s not all she’s had to deal with.
He said: “Gemma noticed that she had not been listening as much as she should’ve been.
“Sorrelle was missing a lot of sounds and it was discovered there was hearing loss in both ears.
“She had to learn the sound of a kettle boiling and the buzz of an oven all over again.
“And after squinting a lot, a test confirmed that she has partial sight loss in both eyes.
“She also now has an overactive bladder and struggles to hold in urine.
“I worried that Sorrelle would be bullied for her differences, but luckily, this hasn’t been the case.”
The family is trying to hold their heads high and stay positive about the future.
Sam has written a book, titled Small Boat In A Big Ocean, which documents Sorrelle’s journey and includes real-time messages.
The royalties are being donated to the ward that saved her and the Manchester Foundation Trust Charity.
Right now, though, they’re fearful of a possible kidney transplant or dialysis and the possibility of losing her for good.
Gemma added: “She won’t get better, only worse.
“I fear she’ll become more aware of things that her body goes through daily.
“And I worry that I’ll lose my little girl.
“But I’m grateful that she’s still here today and fighting.
“Because of her health conditions, she must avoid salt and remain active.
“If she needs to rest, then she must, as this could be detrimental.
“And of course, we worry that if she gets a bruise or feels a little under the weather that we jump to conclusions.
“The reality is that in most cases of children living with cancer develop a number of conditions once it’s gone –and it’s usually a result of treatment.
“Time is truly the only thing that holds value and now, we treasure it so much more.
“Sorrelle isn’t fazed about the issues she faces now or in the future.
“She lives simply for today.”
