Is this a dream?
Posted by Heather Methven on Aug 05, 2011
Is this a dream? Is this really our reality? Why is this happening? How did this happen? Is there really no cure? How are we supposed to get through this? When will the pain go away? How am I supposed to help my sister and sister-in-law through this unfair and catastrophic situation? How will we ever live without our precious, spirited, delightful little curly red headed girl?
These are some of the questions I had when I first found out about Stella’s devastating diagnosis and these are still the questions I have today.
It has been a little over a month since we learned about Stella’s diagnosis and the pain and helplessness is stronger than ever. It is agonizing to imagine life without Stella. It is heartbreaking to see my sister and sister-in-law fall apart, go through so much despair and depression and know that there is nothing you can say or do to take away their pain. I try to be strong and brave in front of them and others but I myself am deteriorating inside. The only thing keeping me from having a nervous break down is seeing how courageous and heroic Mishi and Aimee have been through these last couple of weeks.
Mishi and Aimee are emotionally and physically exhausted, yet they wake up every morning and make sure Stella has the best day she possibly can. Stella has had an abundance of play dates and trips to her favourite places. She is a jubilant and vivacious little girl who looks forward to a new adventure every day with her mommies.
I am overwhelmed and grateful for all the love and support Mishi and Aimee have received from family members, friends and even strangers. It is a testament to their integrity and character.
I am so honoured and fortunate to have Mishi, Aimee and Stella in my life. I cannot imagine life without Stella saying those magical words “I love you auntie”. I will never give up hope for my bubbas!!
Love, Auntie Heather
Comments (6)
Stacy Palmer:
Aug 18, 2011 at 07:01 PM
My son Oliver was diagnosed with DIPG December 23, 2009. He was 8 at the time and just celebrated his 10th birthday. Please feel free to check his blog www.oliverpalmer.blogspot.com or call me anytime if you have questions or just want to talk to someone that knows what you are dealing with.
Stacy Palmer
Ollie's mom
319-464-0563
Heather (Stella's Aunt):
Aug 08, 2011 at 08:58 AM
Thank-you for all the support and posts. I have Dr. Burzynski bookmarked in my computer and have been reading a lot about him since Stella was first diagnosed. The problem is he has only ever cured one other patient with the type of tumor Stella has. We would have to fly to Texas to do an initial assessment and then the medication she would have to take would cost $10,000 a month (it is not covered). If there was more of a success rate this would definitely be an option. I have consulted with other doctors who use different alternative methods of treatment, and they all say that there really is no cure for DIPG but certain things can stabilize the tumor. We will always stay hopeful!!
There are some other websites that have been extremely helpful www.prayersfrommaria.org/Children.aspx and Http://dipgkids.blogspot.com.
Laurie:
Aug 07, 2011 at 02:24 AM
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I came upon your blog from LFCA. I wanted to pass on information to you about Dr. Burzynski's clinic in Texas. Have you heard of him? He has had a lot of success with brain tumors in children. His treatment is non toxic and still in clinical trials. You can visit the website and/or watch
a new movie out about his work and his struggles to get FDA approval for his treatment. It is complicated so I have not gotten into it
in this comment. I just wanted to pass this along to you in case you
have never heard about him. The movie is Dr. Burzynski: Cancer is
Serious Business. Sending prayers and love to Stella and her family...
Starr:
Aug 06, 2011 at 12:59 PM
I agree Heather. I only met you all recently and I was completely blown away by Mishi & Aimee's strength and love for that gorgeous curly haired little girl (and for each other). I dont know how you all get through the day but I think of you all often and wish you nothing but love and peace and much much joy to darling Stella.
Deborah:
Aug 06, 2011 at 11:26 AM
I read the site everyday too. It is my private daily practice right now, to remember to live in the moment, to pray and ultimately to cry.
Inara:
Aug 05, 2011 at 11:12 PM
Michelle and Aimee,
I come to this site everyday to see if there is an update on Stella. I commend you and your family for waking up everyday and treating it as any other. You are giving Stella the best possible summer a kid could ask for and are not wallowing in your pain.
Stella has very strong mommies, aunts, uncles, grand parents, etc. I'm glad you have such a strong support system behind you.
I've been posting the link to this site on my face kokand I know some of my friends could not imagine going through the pain that you are going through.
Enjoy the time you have with your little girl. Even though you are being strong for her, remember that it's still ok to be mad and cry. No human being is meant to go through what you are.
My thoughts are with Stella everyday.
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