children with cancer

As a youngster, we had a neighbor who had a 2 year old with brain cancer. I was the last non-family person to babysit her. (I was in my early teens). She died about 8 months later. (This was decades ago.) It was completely heartbreaking.





Most oncs don't classify my condition as bc (I have LCIS and nothing worse), but it did leave me with the message that cancer does not fight fair.





My niece also had leukemia as a youngster. She's fine now, though. I think its one of the more curable cancers at that age.


I agree with Marian-how have your experiences with children shaped your experience with cancer?

Prettyinpink ~

My sincere deepest apologies for your tremendous loss.  If Cassie said she would always be with you, I am confident she is.  Not only in your heart, mind and soul but in spirit.  She would want you to be happy and live on...keep the faith.

My niece was diagnosed w/ bone cancer at the age of ten, and is now 16 and doing well, however her mother has been just recently diagnosed with brain cancer.  I think how much can one family take !? 

Who would have known that little girl would be our inspiration today ?

Much LUV

PIP, please accept my condolences as well. I can't imagine anything more wrenching than losing a child. I was also touched by the story you shared, and would love to hear more.

My daughter had a friend who at the age of 9 was diagnosed with Hodkins Lymphoma.  She is now 13 years old and doing wonderfully.  This was heart wrenching while it was happening.  Out of it though she and her family became closer and more strong. They did alot for the leuk. lymp society.  I think back to her strength and draw from it.  If a nine year old can endure what she did I certainly can.  I have known other kids myself with cancer..some are still with us, others are not. Cancer is so cruel and definatley does not fight fair.  NO child should suffer with this. 

Cassie sounds like a special Angel...one who has a lot of faith seems to have a sense of calm...in heaven there is a better place, though here on earth we don't know what is beyond those clouds and the fear of leaving loved ones can get the best of us, Cassie sounds as though she was comforted and very loved and I am sure is smiling down at you.  It seems children can be so brave... than even the strongest adults.  May she be at peace and your guardian angel...

Blessings,

Much LUV

I too am sorry for your loss. Last year, my then-8 year old daughter was diagnosed with a rare childhood cancer, stage 3. We were told that older children did not fare well with this type of cancer and she had a 30 to 40% chance of survival. The doctors opted for major abdominal surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible before starting chemo. After a 5 1/2 hour surgery-one of the longest days of my life-we received the miraculous news that the surgeon had removed 85 to 90% of the tumor, which dropped the stage to 1. She still has some of the tumor in her spinal column. Subsequent scans have been negative for mets. The doctors don't want to risk neurological damage, so she is closely monitored with mri's and neuro exams. She now has an excellent prognosis. Throughout this ordeal, my daughter was very brave and positive in spirit. Since then, I have watched her play soccer, softball, perform in school plays, play violin, celebrate a birthday and am so very, very grateful to still have her with me.



One month after her diagnosis, I received my bc diagnosis. Because of this experience, my daughter and I share a very close, special bond. Her upbeat demeanor --and knowing that I had to be here for her-- gave me the strength and determination to deal with my cancer. I am now cancer-free.

Hi, prettyinpink100. Thanks for your kind words. I did the BRAC test-negative but no others, I am concerned for my daughters (I have a 12 y/o too) as my mother-in-law had Paget's disease. What is the P53 gene test? Abby

I am wondering about this gen.testing myself....my niece had bone cancer - sarcoma and now her mother has brain cancer - glioma (sp)...I was asking her about gen.testing and they say they may not be linked yet, when I went for the BRCA history...they suggested it may be.....would that be the same testing ( the p53 ) ???

Much LUV

Prettyinpink,

My heart goes out to you, although my oldest son hasnt got cancer, we have been through a number of scarey times since before he was born.

From 24 weeks af gestation he was a breech postion and wouldnt turn so at 32 weeks they did some scans. They found large mass and stomach was full of fluid. Was delivered in a major hospital in closest capital city. Was found to have polycystic kidney disease and mass was one of his kidneys. They removed it at 3 days old.2 weeks later we went home. At 2 years of age ended back in hospital with double hernia opp. At 6 years of age he had what I thought was a virus, developed acute pain in tummy, collapsed everytime he urinated, time to take him to Dr. Dr sent us same day because of history to Pedeatrician, tests, ultrasounds and catscans sent us to Royal Childrens oncology dept. They told us to expect worse news. Due to high temp they couldnt do explore surgery. In the end they had to do it anyway, we sat with other parents waiting to hear what  our children were in for, in our case it turned out to be a abcess on the outside of his bladder. 1" thick walls and as large as a mans fist. They drained it and we went home. One of the lucky ones. What sticks with me is the other children that wernt so lucky. The courage and strenght that one so young has developed through having to deal daily with emotional and physical trauma. One young fella in particular stands out most. He was sitting up in bed when we first arrived. (The horror/shock hit my husband and myself when we saw all these bald headed kids sitting up in bed. Reality hit us like a truck) this one lad was just sitting there laughing and talking to the others in the ward when I realized that something wasnt right, he had his leg hanging around his shoulder. It was his artificial leg. He had a very wicked sense of humor and just like to shock people. He was also facing the possibility of loosing his other leg. Just in awe of the strenght and versatility that these kids display.

I am waiting for my results, and I only hope that if they arnt so good that i can display half the courage,strenght and sense of humor that these kids have.

Your daughter will always be with you as you carry her in your heart.             Jaly 

prettyinpink,

No, due to not enough tissue being collected to test, Dr wants to wait 4 months and do again. Dont understand why. Why bother with first test? Going to organise to go to Breast Clinic in the city for another opinion Monday.

So true re our childrens lives being threatened. I have lost a sister to Melanoma, she was 35. This has had a huge impact on my opinions and the way I handle things in my life now. We didnt have much time until dx and her leaving us. She to near the end, was like your precious daughter, serene, calm and thinking of everyone but herself. She was so beautiful, her skin was like porcelain, her hair shone and her eyes were so bright, she looked like a angle to.

I often think of the kids in the oncology ward that my son was in. I wonder if they have made it, and if they are happy and what they are doing now. I feel for thier mothers if they havent. That was 17 years ago. A piece of my heart will always be with them.

Sorry this is so long. I am going to get a reputation of a waffler with my long posts.

You to will now be always in my thoughts.

Jaly

My heart goes out to all of you who have or is dealing with a child with cancer.  Although I have been diagnosed with BC I don't look at it like I look at a child dealing with cancer.  It is just not fair. 

Prettyinpink,

I am so sorry for the loss of your daughter, Cassie. 

June