Dying teen mum shares her dreams
Rhianna Truman knows she is running out of time. Running out of days to do that skydive, to makeover her room, and to hold her 1-year-old son.
The 17-year-old was diagnosed in 2012 with adamantinoma, an extremely rare bone cancer which was found in her leg.
When the Hawke’s Bay teenager fell pregnant in 2016, she was offered a type of treatment which may have helped slow the disease – but it would have put her unborn son at risk.
She declined the treatment, in the hope her child would be healthy. After her son was born, she was told the cancer had spread throughout her body and that death would come soon.
As the New Year dawned, Truman knew this year may be her last. She isn’t bitter, just hopeful she can get what she wants done – and that others will make the most out of life too.
‘‘I know there are more people worse off than I am, even though I am dying of an illness. I have a roof over my head, clothes on my back and food on the table.
‘‘Having my family and friends around me for support is a blessing. I am grateful for a lot of things.
‘‘You never know when your time is going to be up. People should spend time with their family, and never dwell on the past.’’
Her main goal this year is to spend time her with son, but if she gets the chance she would love to tick some things off her bucket list.
She knows many of her dreams won’t become a reality, but she is determined to get as much done as she can.
‘‘I want to swim with a shark, I want to go parachuting, and if I am allowed to I want to go skydiving. I would love to have a normal life.
‘‘I really wanted to do up my room, but that never happened. I would like to do everything for my son. When he is happy, that is what makes me happy.’’
Learning to savour the little things in life had carried Truman through the challenges of being a teenage mum last year, she said.
‘‘It is a privilege just to have a bath – like any other mother. The things I enjoy aren’t anything exciting, it’s just me time.’’
It wasn’t long ago that she would wake up in the night thinking about her death – but the idea of the end doesn’t bother her much any more.
‘‘I have come to peace with it. I have finally done my will and signed it. I think it is clear what I want. I am a lot more happier within my self because when I do go everything will be taken care of.’’
For now, 2018 will be filled with walks in the park, time feeding the ducks and plenty of cuddles.
‘‘My son is my inspiration. He is what gets me through and gives me hope. When I look at him, I know everything will be all right.’’