This is Chloe's mum Lesley writing Chloe's story, I would like you all to know how brave and determined our beautiful daughter Chloe was coping with cancer at the young age of 13 years, she showed remarkable courage and strength for someone so young and we are so proud of our beautiful daughter and miss her so much, she will never be forgotton.

 It all started just before christmas 2006, Chloe told us her back was aching she wasn't sleeping too well either,we just thought it was growing pains, Chloe was always busy with school, ballet, youth theatre,music. Christmas came and went, she even ran a 5mile run on boxing day. My other daughter Laura took Chloe to casualty on the 27/12/06 she was told to give Chloe ibuprophen and told if pain didn't ease to fetch Chloe back.

Chloe said the pain had moved to her chest and  her left arm, I took Chloe to casualty on 31/12/06.

ECG and X-Ray were given and Chloe was diagnosed with pneumonia, she had to stay in hospital but didn't mind,Chloe was being looked after.

They wanted to do more tests on Chloe,they wanted to do an ultra sound scan to check on Chloe's lungs, and a CT scan ( Computerised Tomography ) scanner takes multiple x ray films and these are converted by a computer into a 3D view of part of the body,at this moment I knew something was wrong the doctor wanted to speak to me and asked if Paul my husband could come to the hospital.

The Doctor told us he had seen lumps on Chloe's left kidney and abdomen and was being refered to the Children's Oncology Hospital in Cardiff he also prepared us for what we were going to see, children who were very poorly, but he reasured us that Chloe was being looked after.

Arrived in Cardiff hospital on 3/1/07 met Consultant who explained to us who she was and what they were going to do to Chloe.

Thursday 4/1/07

Biopsy taken on Chloe's lumps,bone marrow and chest fluid.

Friday 5/1/07

Chloe didn't feel well in a lot of pain, Paracetamol and Codiene given, we all felt scared and anxious so sad for Chloe she didn't deserve this.

Sunday 7/1/07

Chloe seemed a lot brighter today, Paul asked the Doctor about Chloe's illness she said Chloe does have lots of lumps but can not confirm diagnosis until the biopsy results have come back the wait was unbearable not knowing.

Monday 8/1/07

Doctor said we could go home for a couple of hours Chloe seemed ok when walking to the car I suddenly noticed how much weight Chloe had lost she didn't look well,came home and Chloe was so cold she couldn't get warm and wanted to go back to hospital she felt ill and sick,arrived back at hospital bloods taken, urine sample given, anti sickness tablet given to Chloe.

Tuesday 9/1/07

Had results from biopsy Chloe has CANCER ALVEOLAR RHABDOMYO SARCOMA,Sarcoma's are rare types of cancers that develop in the bone, muscle or cartilage we all felt devastated by this news but we are staying positive and strong for Chloe. They have sent Chloe's biopsies to Great Ormond Street Hospital to make sure of diagnosis. Physiotherapist comes to see Chloe about her breathing because of the fluid around her lungs, Ann the physiotherapist gives Chloe a blow pipe, the idea is Chloe has to breathe into this pipe and keep the balls up as long as she can.

Wednesday 10/1/07

Chloe needed an ECG to check on heart rhythm, ultra sound scan to check on heart function, bone scan to check if cancer had gone into bones,also took blood pressure of all limbs individually.  GFR Ink given to check on Chloe's kidneys.

Thursday 11/1/07

Chloe's weight 50.1kg, measured around stomach, fluid 77.4cm

Chloe having a operation to fit a hickman line, the line is inserted into the vein and brought out through the chest wall where it is secured at the exit site by a stitch, when the line is not in use, the external part is secured in a special bag or with tape to prevent pulling and discomfort. The hickman line requires a dressing which needs to be changed weekly and the exit site cleaned. The line requires flushing when not in use. It is important that the cotton pouch holding the lines is washed 2-3 times a week to minimise risk of infection.

Chloe so scared of operation went to theatre at 10.15am, came out of theater at 1.30pm, Chloe was very sleepy but hickman line fitted successfully.

Chloe's consultant came to see us to explain all the treatments that Chloe would be having and Paul saw scan of Chloe's body and realised the seriousness of Chloe's illness, the bone marrow was clear and all the other tests were good. bloods taken first time from Chloe's hickman line to see how Chloe's blood is after G F R, every hour three in total.

Friday 12/1/07

Chloe's weight 52.7kg

Chloe's first Chemotherphy

Chloe is scheduled to have six courses of Chemotherepy

Chloe's Chemotherapy is called ivado and is a combination of Ifosfamide,Doxorubicin,Dactinomycin and Vincristine with Mesna to protect the bladder.

This protocol is over three days.

Chloe is very sick and her oxygen levels are low so given cyclazine anti-sickness and given oxygen mask.

Doctors querying if Chloe is well enough for Chemotherapy.

11.00 am Chloe starts Chemotherapy.

Chloe really struggling with her urine and bowels and feeling very dizzy and sick all the time.

Given furusamide to help with weeing.

Nurse substitutes oramorph for severedol.

Chloe's oxygen levels drop to 87 during sleep so oxygen mask used.

Saturday 13/1/07

Chloe's weight 52.4kg

Chloe oxygen levels still very low and so X-ray organized to try and find reason,they think it might be fluid building up around body cavity or heart being affected by chemotherapy.

Bloods also sent for testing as salt levels have changed.

Sunday 14/1/07

Chloe admitted to Intensive Care, concerned about oxygen levels, and fluid around Chloe's lungs. Ultra Sound Scan done.

Chloe has to wear forced oxygen mask, Chloe scared of mask diffucult to get used to, Ultra Sound Scan again to see how much fluid around lungs.

Chloe asked Doctor when she can go back to Sky Ward (bless her)

Local anaesthetic given to drain the fluid, inserted a tube temporarily, where the needle was inserted secured with stitches, Chloe was fantastic through the whole procedure.

At last some good news the tube is draining the fluid away and the procedure was a success.

6.30 p.m. Chloe allowed back onto Sky Ward, Chloe was so happy and we were very relieved but Chloe is beginning to realize how ill she is.

Monday 15/1/07

Chloe a lot brighter today, OBS, Blood Pressure, Oxygen levels all fine, even taken down fluid drip. First time Chloe ate in four days cereal and milk. Playspecialist asked us if we wanted to do some craft in the adolescent room, Chloe made cards but was tired returned to room. Physiotherapist called to check on Chloe's breathing.Chloe's oxygen levels slightly low 91, should be above 92.

Dietitican called to explain that Chloe needed to eat high calorie food because of her weight loss. Consultant called to discuss pain relief. MRI scan required to check on limbs, and all over body. Temperture 38, paracetmol given. Playspecialist talked to Chloe about her illness she became tired and tearful.

Tuesday 16/1/07

Chloe's weight 47.9kg

Doctor calls to tell Chloe thay they want to remove her chest drain,Chloe has x-ray which is clear and drain is removed.Chloe has to go for MRI scan, Chloe given arm and breathing exercises.

Chloe running a temperature given vancomycin antibiotic at 6.50pm, temp 38.0 given Calpol.Given spironalactone and frusemide diuretic and ondansetron anti-sickness plus meropenum anti biotic. They are having difficulty taking blood from Chloe's hickman line.

Wednesday 17/1/07

Chloe's weight 47.5kg

Chloe has visits from Doctor,dietician and School Teacher.Tried to take blood from hickman line still not working,Nurse does needle prick,bless Chloe. Sodium docusate (laxative) given. Chloe seems well in herself.

Thursday 18/1/07 / Friday 19/1/07

Chloe's weight 47.5kg / 47.6kg

Medication given, Doctors discussed pain relief codeine and buprenaphine perscribed, X-ray required for left leg to see where the cancer started from, we may be able to go out for a couple of hours over the weekend.

Medication given, Chloe spent half an hour doing maths with teacher, seems brighter today. Friend came to see Chloe from school who also had cancer but is in remission, he understands how Chloe is feeling, trip to X-ray to see if Chloe's hickman line is in the right place still not bleeding back. Chemotherapy only vincristine.

Chloe asked when would her hair start to fall out (I felt so sad for Chloe, no child should have to go through this).

Saturday 20/1/07 / Sunday 21/1/07

Chloe's weight 46.9kg / 46kg

Chloe's been in a lot of stomach pain during the night, calpol and buprenorphine given,and intravenous antibiotic, all other medication taken. Chloe sleeps most of the day.

Chloe still having a lot of stomach pains, buprenorphine given this is a small tablet which is given under the tongue, also very sore throat difflam spray used to numb the area, omeprezole (gastric reflux) coats the stomach. Hickman line still not bleeding back, Fluconazole (anti fungal) given for Chloe's sore throat.

Monday 22/1/07 / Tuesday 23/1/07

Chloe's weight 45.8kg / 44.1kg

Chloe been in considerable pain all evening with sore throat, medication given some given intravenous, hickman line still not bleeding back, Chloe not so good today in a lot of pain with mouth ulsers.

Chloe's hair starting to fall out (this is so cruel for Chloe) Chloe still in a lot of pain stomach, mouth ulcers, given medication, Chloe received letters and gifts from school which cheered her up. Ward sister came to check on hickman line success she got it to work. They are going to put up a TPN Intravenous drip contains salts, sugar to help build Chloe up. Dietician recommends maxijul contains loads of calories, Chloe hated it, and also calogen given which is a high calorie medicine, Chloe also likes raspberry Fortis drinks.

Wednesday 24/1/07 / Thursday 25/1/07

Chloe's weight 44.6kg

Taken blood from Hickman line, Chloe running a high temperature, given antibiotic meropenem and calpol, Doctor checks on Chloe mouth ulcers really sore diffilam spray used to ease the pain, nurse describes chemo as being like paint stripper that starts in mouth and carries on through to the bottom. Medication given plus sevredol pain killer (morphine). Chloe not feeling to good bad dreams and images may be side effects of sevredol. Went in adolescent room did craft, Chloe made a frog. Physiotherapist asked Chloe to walk up and down corridor, Chloe did brilliant.

Friday 26/1/07 / Saturday 27/1/07

Chloe's weight 46.5kg

Medication given, Doctor reviewing medication, all well. Met social worker Kay who works for LATCH (Children's Cancer Charity). Kay is a lovely person and helped us so much.

Sunday 28/1/07 / Monday 29/1/07

Chloe's weight 44.7kg

Chloe still getting stomach pains (constipated) medication can cause this might stop the sevredol , Chloe's missing her brother Luke, and sister Laura they are coming to visit on Monday. Consultant Clinical Psychologist came to see us to try and find ways to help Chloe to come to terms with her cancer, also the hospital lady chaplain came to see us for a friendly chat. Consultant asks Chloe if she would like to have a nasogastric feeding tube fitted this is (a thin,flexible tube is gently inserted into the nostril, down the back of the throat, down the gullet, and into the stomach), Chloe wouldn't have to worry so much about eating, also Chloe's TPN could be reduced from 24hrs to 16hrs enable us to come home for a few hours, Chloe readily agress. Buscopan and paracetomel given for stomach cramps, Chloe says please no more tablets i've had enough (bless).

Saturday 3/2/07 / Sunday 4/2/07

11.00 am Chloe has second chemotherapy Vincristine,Dactinorycin,Doxorubin,followed at 4.40 by Ifosamide.

Chloe has second day of second dose of chemo (Doxorubin and Ifosamide) again on Sunday. Chloe been sick a few times it is very tough on Chloe.

Monday 5/2/07

Chloe's consultant tells us Chloe is doing well and can go home until 3rd chemo is due.Arrived home at 7.00 pm Chloe has tea but has stomach pains and goes to bed.

10.00 am Clinic today,Chloe is due another Vincristine Chemo.Devastating day because today we learn the cancer is Desmoplastic Round Cell Sarcoma and not Alveola Rhabdomysarcoma.Choe has X ray to check lungs are still clear of fluid, they are ok but NG tube needs to be changed.

Tuesday 13/2/07

We went to cardiff to buy Chloe a wig, we bought two wigs one curly and the other straight with shades of blonde.

Friday 16/2/07

Went to Skyward for x ray on lungs, fluid ok but Ng tube is in wrong place and needs changing.

Friday 23/2/07 Saturday 24/2/07

Weight 48kg

Chloe needs echoscan to see how much fluid is around her heart before starting the new chemotherapy protocol.

3.00pm Chloe starts on new chemotherapy for Desmoplastic Round Cell sarcoma and is given Nozinan anti sickness/sleep medication.Chloe not passing enough urine and accidentally pulls out NG tube during the night.

Monday 26/2/07

We are told that Chloe has had too much Vincristine as they were not familiar with the protocol.Very apologetic but Chloe has to stay under observation.

Tuesday 27/2/07

Starts GCSF injections.

Friday 2/3/07

Chloe has appointment with Consultant and leaves her speachless when she asks "when can I go back to school ?"

Saturday 3/3/07

Chloe's medication 

Omeprazole (Gastric Reflux), Spironolactone (Diuretic), Fluconazole (Anti-Fungal), Calagen (Calories), Slow-K (Potassium), Septrin (Anti-Bacterial Agent) Saturday and Sunday only.

Chloe needed GCFS, trip to hospital (Sky-Ward). Meeting friends from school, they are having a meal in the harvester this is Chloe's first time with school friends, Chloe looked beautiful.

The school friends are Rachel Skinner, Kelsey Ellis, Abi Trigg, Hannah Fry, Lauren David, Emily Pearce, Abbie Oliver, and Rachel Gronow. I hope these girls do not mind me naming them; they helped Chloe so much during her illness, Paul and myself knew that they would look out for Chloe.

All of Chloe's year helped her when she went to school. 

Sunday 4/3/07 / Monday 5/3/07

 All medication given, Sky-Ward GCSF given, Chloe well.

All medication given, Sky-Ward GCSF given, Chloe feeling down today tired, picked up later went over Hannah Fry's house and met up with the group of friends, Chloe needs blood transfusion tomorrow.

Tuesday 6/3/07 / Wednesday 7/3/07

Hospital (Sky-Ward) Chloe needs 3 units of blood, all medication given, GCSF given, spent all day in hospital.

All medication given, community nurse gives Chloe her 9th GCSF. Joshua foundation organize for us all to see fame in the new theatre Cardiff, and also hire a pink limousine, Chloe is so excited.

Thursday 8/3/07 Friday 9/3/07

All medication taken, went to Art Cafe in Porthcawl did painting, good day, Chloe well.

Mari and Lowri came to see Chloe, they watched DVDS, and did teenage stuff painting nails and make-up etc, etc. Also I would like to say how supportive Mari and Lowri were during Chloe's illness, when they visited Chloe in hospital they were so brave and always made Chloe smile.

Friday 16/3/07 Wednesday 21/3/07

Chloe's weight 49.6kg

Chemotherapy due (Forth Dose)

Took blood, weight and height

Etoposide, Ifosfamide, Mesna, (protects the bladder) Ondansatron (anti-sickness) all given intravenous, Chloe doing well.

Amy came to see Chloe, (Amy was also very supportive towards Chloe during her illness.)

Day 5 of chemo went in adolescent room with play specialist Anne did a Chloe board which is, you get a huge piece of card and what ever interest you have you glue onto the card out of magazines we had such a laugh Anne was so funny and Chloe's board was amazing so much detail. Music lady came onto ward to show the children how music can be therapeutic, also did relaxation, Allowed home after hydration, Good day.

Thursday 22/3/07 Sunday 25/3/07

Hospital appointment, Chloe had CT scan, they inserted a canular in Chloe's hand she had to drink some fluid, then they inserted this dye into canular, all of Chloe's organs become more visible. All medication taken. Chloe well, spent day with Rachel.

 Monday 26/3/07 Thursday 29/3/07

All medication taken, Chloe went to school today (first time since Chloe's been ill); she went for art and enjoyed, also stayed for geography and lunch.We are so happy Chloe went to Bryntirion Comprehensive School as they are really supportive in helping Chloe to get back to her normal routine.She was met by Mrs Karen Owen head of year 10 and Jan the school nurse.

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