In this article I will discuss the impact of my 2-year-old son's diagnosis and treatment of leukaemia. I will outline the background to being told he had leukaemia before describing the family dynamics that emerged during this time for me, my husband and our other child. My story will focus on managing the practicalities of a long stay in hospital with another child at home, the different roles taken on as a mother and father and the impact on our marital relationship. I'll then discuss the emotional journey including reflections on feelings of helplessness taking care of a vulnerable child and the wider impact on the family, e.g. guilt regarding my other child and my role in managing the emotions of the extended family. I will conclude the article by the transition to normality for my son and the rest of the family.