Mia Sherwell excited to start prep after cancer fight

After a brave cancer battle, Bannockburn’s Mia Sherwell is taking on a new challenge: starting school.

AFTER a brave cancer battle, Bannockburn’s Mia Sherwell is taking on a new challenge: starting school.

Mia, who is now five, was diagnosed with leukaemia in July 2018, just days after her second birthday.

Mia Sherwell goes to school

In total, Mia endured a staggering 845 days of treatment, and was looked after at the Royal Children’s Hospital and Geelong hospital.

Her extensive treatment regimen included multiple intravenous immunoglobulin transfusions, platelet transfusions, red blood cell transfusions, lumbar punctures, and general anaesthetics.

Mia was also given a variety of different chemotherapy drugs, and had numerous operations and procedures, several bone marrow aspirations, countless blood tests and finger pricks, and dressing changes and side effects, including losing her ability to walk for four months.

Her treatment finally ended in October 2020, and mum Andrea said Mia was now off all medication but was routinely monitored.

“She understands she doesn’t have to go to hospital anymore,” Mrs Sherwell said.

“She was so young when it happened, I don’t know she knows what she missed out on between the ages of two to four.

“There’s only bits and pieces she remembers … she knows she’s had it a little bit different.”

Mrs Sherwell said the family was excited for the “determined” and “happy” girl to start prep at Bannockburn P-12 College on Monday.

“It’s just amazing the fact that after what we’ve been through she’s now where she needs be,” Mrs Sherwell said.

“At times she has a weakened immune system still, that’s a concern due to Covid.”

Mia, who loves dancing and has just started gymnastics, has told her mum she is looking forward to learning at the school, where her brother, who is in year two, also attends.

“She’s very excited about starting with all the kids,” Mrs Sherwell said.

“It’s lovely it’s a milestone she gets to start with the other children.”

Originally published as Mia Sherwell excited to start prep after cancer fight