A PREGNANT mum-of-11 has revealed her toddler’s devastating cancer battle after he was diagnosed with a stage four neuroblastoma.
Veronica Merritt, from New York, became concerned about her youngest, two-year-old Donovan, when he began complaining of chronic knee pain over the last few weeks.
Desperate to help her tot, and after doctors struggled to find the cause of the pain, Veronica took her son to A&E where she was given the tragic news which she has since shared with her TikTok followers.
“About a week ago I was partying with my 11 kids,” she explained in the clip.
“My biggest problems in life were a permanent ban on TikTok, my kids not doing their chores, constantly having to clean the house.
“But my youngest was constantly complaining of knee pain, so we made the decision to take him to the ER to get checked out.
“Donovan has aggressive neuroblastoma.”
The two-year-old is currently in hospital where he is receiving treatment for his cancer including surgery with Veronica sharing an image of Donnie’s shaven head as he prepares for his chemotherapy to begin.
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What is a neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a type of cancer that develops in nerve cells that have been left behind from their development in the womb.
It usually develops in the adrenal glands next to the kidneys but can also form in the spinal cord, neck, chest, pelvis or abdomen and is able to spread to other organs.
It is unknown what causes the cancer but it affects around 100 children in the UK every year with many of them under five.
The outlook for children diagnosed with the condition varies and mainly depends on if the cancer has spread.
The early signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma can be very hard to spot, especially in young babies as they can be mistaken for other common conditions.
However, according to NHS Choices, signs and symptoms of neuroblastoma include:
- A swollen painful tummy
- Constipation
- Breathlessness
- Difficult swallowing
- A lump in the neck
- Blue lumps on the skin and bruising
- Fatigue, weakness and bone pain
- Jerky eye and muscle movements
The mum says while the news is terrifying she is thankful she followed her intuition and took him to the hospital.
Speaking to Fabulous, Veronica said: “Donovan doesn't really appear sick at first glance, it's scary to think we could have just been sitting at home thinking he's fine.
“I'm so glad the doctors found the cancer before it was too late, mother's should know it's important to follow their intuition!”
Veronica said that Donovan's diagnosis has completely changed her outlook on parenting.
She tells Fabulous: "It's really difficult, I've always had a very carefree 'lost boys' approach to parenting, now my toddler is facing a very serious and life threatening illness and I have to take things so much more seriously.
"I don't want to live in a world that doesn't have Donovan in it. When he smiles at me it takes everything in me to stop myself from crying my eyes out. He's so precious and beautiful and he doesn't deserve this, no child does.
"This situation is a nightmare for my whole family. I regret every time I wouldn't round up my change to support my local children's hospital, they're amazing and I'm so thankful for what they're doing for my son."
I'm so glad the doctors found the cancer before it was too late, mother's should know it's important to follow their intuition
The news has left Veronica’s followers totally heartbroken, with many sharing their support in the comments.
One wrote: “I wish I could make it all better for you both. Stay strong – sending you love and positive thoughts.”
“I hate this so much for all of you,” added another, while a third wrote, “Thinking of you all and sending love and good vibes.”
Expecting her 12th child Veronica is already mum to Victoria, 21, Andrew, 16, Adam, 15, Mara, 13, Dash, 12, Darla, 10, Marvelous, eight, Martalya, six, Amelia, four, Delilah, three, and Donovan, two.
Speaking exclusively to Fabulous earlier this year, Veronica explained how she married and then subsequently divorced the father of her eldest two children.
The mum then married second husband Marty, 37, and the couple have gone on to have seven more children. Marty and Veronica are currently going through a divorce.
Veronica, who shares details of her massive family on Instagram and TikTok, says she never uses contraception due to her health conditions.
Veronica has set up a GoFundMe page to support Donovan – if you wish to donate please click here.
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