Hi Missb1988,

A very warm welcome to the forum that nobody wants to join. I really feel for you and your 14 year old daughter - this is any parent's worst nightmare. Struggling financially on top of all this must make life even harder. Have you investigated whether or not you are entitled to any benefits for yourself or your daughter? Do you have a Maggie's centre nearby? They can offer advice on benefits, as can Macmillan. I sincerely hope that the cyst on her other ovary turns out to be benign. I have had a couple of bouts of breast cancer and was diagnosed with a cyst on my ovary with my first cancer diagnosis. Fortunately, it turned out to be benign and I have lived with it comfortably for the past 16 years.

I am so sorry to hear that your daughter's autism has got worse since her diagnosis. The two charitable organisations above also offer a counselling service, which might help both of you. All of these services are free of charge and can be very helpful. Caring for any loved one with cancer is not an early task, but is particularly hard with someone so young. We lost a granddaughter last year at 14 and I know the struggles we had! She was diagnosed with leukaemia and battled it bravely for 2 years - all to no avail. She was a beautiful girl, not just in looks, but also in personality and we miss her sorely.

You ask how you can keep going - the hard truth is that we do this, because we have to. Try not to look too far ahead and take things day by day, or even hour by hour, if need be. Spend time with your daughter and make as many memories together as you can. This is a horrible and challenging disease and I hope and pray that one day soon we will find a cure.

Please keep in touch and remember that we are always here for you.

Kind regards,

Jolamine xx