09 October 2023 , 14:54
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A brave toddler was diagnosed with cancer at just two years old after her mum could feel her liver while hugging her.
Sophia Wylie was diagnosed with Hepatoblastoma, a type of liver cancer, after her mum Danielle, 38, noticed an unusual lump sticking out under her ribs. After months of treatment, including surgery to remove the tumour and six cycles of chemotherapy, Sophia was told in April last year that she's cancer free.
Now aged four, Sophia is able to start school for the first time, which dad James, 39, described as a "wonderful experience" and said she "loved her first week" there. He added: "Sophia has been so excited about getting to school and asked over the last year if it was time yet.
"It has been very emotional seeing her take this big step, but her enthusiasm and excitement has made it a wonderful experience. She has loved her first week and we are so proud of her."
The doting dad said there were many times when the family did not think this would be possible for Sophia, who he described as a "truly incredible daughter" who is "such a strong fighter". He added: "She doesn't let anything stop her from living life to the full and is a true inspiration to us all."
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Sophia became cancer free in April (Cancer Research UK / SWNS)
Her mum knew something was wrong when she gave her a hug (Cancer Research UK / SWNS)Danielle and James took Sophia to the doctors when she started getting sick all the time and kept getting 'every bug going.' The youngster was then referred for an ultrasound at Leeds General Infirmary's Oncology department, where doctors said they could see a mass on her liver. Sophia then had a MRI scan to investigate further, which is when the mum-of-two said her 'worst fears were confirmed' when the scan confirmed there was a tumour.
Danielle, of York, North Yorks., said: "It was at this point her dad James and I were trying to control our panic and keep things as relaxed as we could for Sophia. Really we were in denial, but our worst fears were confirmed when the MRI scan confirmed there was a tumour and that same day they wanted to take a biopsy and fit a port line into her chest area to enable treatment. From that moment we were thrown right into the deep end of cancer, tests and treatment. It was a really scary time."
Sophia was then diagnosed with cancer and was placed on a clinical trial for a chemotherapy drug called Cisplatin. However, doctors decided to remove the schoolgirl from the trial because her cancer was too aggressive She instead had an operation that removed the mass, a third of her liver, her gallbladder and part of her small intestine alongside having chemotherapy. Danielle says this was an "extremely difficult time" for Sophia and her family but added that the youngster 'was incredible' and "kept us going."
Sophia cuddling her brother Samuel before her diagnosis (Cancer Research UK / SWNS)
Sophia had a 'wonderful experience' starting school for the first time (Cancer Research UK / SWNS)She said: "Part way through her chemotherapy Sophia had an operation to remove the mass. This surgery removed over a third of her liver, her gallbladder and part of her small intestine. During her recovery her stiches failed so she needed another operation just two weeks later to repair a hernia. It was an extremely difficult time. Sophia hated having a port line in and her movement reduced when she was getting her treatment. She had severe sickness and was receiving lots of anti-sickness medication, fluids and drugs to help counter possible side effects of the chemotherapy. She really was incredible throughout it all and still is now. She’s kept us going."
Danielle has said that the family have "started living again and returned to the world" after Sophia was given the all-clear with her diagnosis. Alongside starting school for the first time, the youngster has also been able to have her first ever birthday party and go on a bus for the first time. Danielle said: "When Sophia was given the all clear we were of course delighted that the treatment was over, but also terrified waiting for the results of her monthly blood test. It took us a long time to process what had happened and for the fear of the cancer returning to reduce. I'm not sure it will ever go away. But this year has been our year to stop simply existing and start living again and return to the world."