A Port Fairy teenager is expected to spend the next six to 12 months months in Melbourne battling cancer.
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Amber King, 16, has acute lymphoblastic leukaemia.
Her mother Beth King said her daughter had symptoms which were initially attributed to a virus.
"She became acutely unwell with a temp of 40 degrees and a presentation at Warrnambool ED revealed neutropenia sepsis and the cause being leukaemia," Ms King said.
Amber is undergoing chemotherapy to treat the cancer.
"Her oncology team want her in the Royal Children's Hospital until such time as her risk for life threatening infection is reduced," Ms King.
After that she will be required to live close to the hospital for six to 12 months.
"She will then come over to the hospital for her treatment and if stable will return to the apartment several times per week," Ms King said.
She said Amber was very weak and had developed steroid induced diabetes and neuropathic pain in the legs as a result of the chemo.
"She has her fighting spirit on but the chemotherapy is intense and the treatment she will need going forward is an unknown," Ms King said.
"She is already sick of being sick and is looking forward to the day she can go home."
Ms King said she was overwhelmed by the support from members of the south-west community.
A GoFundMe page has raised almost $6000.
Ms King said she had reluctantly set it up, but wanted to be able to stay by her daughter's side.
"The GoFundMe funds are being used to provide comfort things at the moment such as aromatherapy, massage products, non hospital food as the steroids create an insatiable appetite, the purchase of basic clothing and toiletries as we came with the clothes on our back when flown from Warrnambool," Ms King said.
"The funds will likely be used going forward to assist with apartment living in isolation (absolute minimal contact with others), groceries, medical costs such as medication and mobility aides."
Ms King said Amber was extremely grateful for the support.
"Amber and I have been overwhelmed with the messages of support," she said.
"We are greatly appreciative to everyone who has donated in such a financially challenging time."
A number of people sent messages of support to Amber and Ms King on the GoFundMe page.
"Thinking of you Amber and Beth," wrote one.
"You've got this young lady," they added.
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