Hailey,
What a whirlwind year you have had. I am thankful that you are persistent and continued to push for the appointments and imaging to check into the neurologic symptoms you were having. You have proven to be an advocate for yourself, and I am so proud of you for the persistence you continue to show.
“Digesting” the news of your diagnosis was tough for all of us. It was the first thing I thought about when I woke up in the morning, and the last thing I thought about as I was trying to fall asleep. It was devastating news, and I prayed that I would wake up from the terrible dream I found myself in. My baby has brain cancer; surgery is not an option, but treatments to slow the progression. I let myself slide into a sad, dark place; however, you were not going to allow that! You are not going to just accept that path. You are going to beat this thing, and your persistence, once again, continues to shine through!
It’s so important that you know that you have a huge army behind you, Hailey. We wanted to make sure that many people helped transport you to radiation because we wanted you to feel supported by many friends and family members in your life. Also, I wanted them to know just what those treatments looked like: the early morning, the fabulous valet service at Abbott, the friendly staff in the Radiation Oncology dept, and to sit among those waiting in the lobby for their own treatment or treatment of a loved one. We. Are. Always. By Your Side.
I am so sad that my daughter, at the age of 26 years old, in the prime of her life, needs to think about things like: cancer, radiation, chemotherapy, freezing eggs so becoming a mom is a possibility, and the prognosis of a potentially shortened life. This cuts me to my core, and I wish I could take this burden away from you and take it on for you. But then I realize that this exact thing has pushed us all to some very crucial changes in our perspective: treasuring each day and each memory made with friends and family; making each day count and each memory count; stepping up for those we love, and letting them know how loved they are each and every day; and living life to the fullest! Give hugs, take that trip, eat that cake, and go on that adventure you have been speculating!! And I am so impressed at how you have taken this diagnosis of brain cancer, and chosen to find some healthy and inspiring outlets, like doing macrame and starting your own Etsy site, creating your own website, and blogging about your journey. With each blog you post on your website, or each Caring Bridge update, I am beaming with pride at how you are choosing to handle what you are faced with. I know that you are meant to do great things, and you are proving this every day. I feel its important to find a silver lining in the clouds, and you have done this!! (And maybe there could be a book in your future…?)
Ever since you were a little girl, I knew that you were going to be “a force to be reckoned with”. You were stubborn, strong-minded and strong-willed. Through your teen years and into young adulthood, you have developed a tough perseverance and ability to tackle challenges, and I felt that whatever life throws at you, in your personal life or in your interest of pursuing psychology, you would be able to handle it. Now I know that you have an even bigger challenge to navigate in this life, and I am grateful that you have the strong character to guide you.
You have made the decision that you want to be a mom. You were persistent and contacted your providers to educate yourself about what needed to be done, before chemotherapy started, to make this a possibility. Again, your persistence and self-advocacy shines through. This makes me very happy. You will be a great mom, and we look forward to this, when the chemo is done, and the timing is right. Your child will be loved fully and unconditionally by all of us.
The journey ahead will have its ups and downs, and I will continue to pray for you every day. I pray for your strength and continued positive attitude, and that the day will come when we can appreciate a cancer-free prognosis. I pray for the strength for your dad and I, and your brothers, to guide you and be the best support system for you. I pray that others in your life will be supportive to you on your journey. And know that you are not alone; we are always by your side. Your army will be here for you throughout this journey.
I am honored to be your mom. I am so proud of you, I love you with all my heart, and I look forward to many more memories and adventures with you. Keep carrying on, strong girl.
Love,
Mom
Coming Up on Kiss My Astrocytoma
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♡ Hailey
Nice message from Mom..We will all get through this together. Keep strong Hailey. There may be days where you feel things are just too much. That’s when you lean on all of us around you. We love you and will always be there for you.