It’s hard living with this every day, admits mum
She and her husband Justin were delighted but they became worried when, in mid-2005, Olivia became very weak and visibly sick.
She had mysterious bruising and a fever. Eventually she was diagnosed with leukaemia.
Now she and her twin sister may have helped find a life-saving genetic quality to help fellow sufferers.
Speaking to the Britain-based Rainbow Trust, which helped the family, Ms Murphy explained how family life in Kent was turned around in July 2005.
“We had no idea how ill she was, she seemed hot and tired and her lips were blue, but doctors kept telling us there was nothing to worry about. They said she had gastroenteritis or tonsillitis,” she said.
However, when Olivia became violently ill, blood tests were taken and revealed the symptoms were being caused by leukaemia.
“As soon as I was told the news, I know it sounds very strange, but my first questions were if Olivia would lose her hair or whether she would be able to have children. They were the only two things I knew about cancer,” she said.
The family were assisted by a support worker from the Rainbow Trust who would entertain the sisters during hospital visits.
Ms Murphy said keeping Olivia and Isabella active was vital to maintaining a sense of normality.
“The girls love dressing up so much, for them there are two very big dressing up boxes which they love diving into,” she said.
Sarah said they have found it difficult to balance caring for Olivia with being a parent to both twins.
Although, she said, there are times when most of her attention has to be devoted to Olivia and her recovery, both parents strived to treat the sisters equally.
“Of course it is hard living with this situation every day,” she admitted.
However, even with the breakthroughs discovered in Isabella’s genetic make-up, Ms Murphy is concerned the traces of leukaemia in her system will activate.
“Naturally, I worry Isabella might get ill but I have to focus on the present. I have two beautiful daughters and Olivia’s treatment is going well. We are staying positive,” she said.
The treatment has caused Olivia to lose sight in one of her eyes but this week her mother said the family are happy to share any secret the twins hold if it helps other children.
“Anything which leads to a lessening of the intensity of chemotherapy is a good thing.”
