Need help (and PD)--very ill Brownie!

[BuzznBelle'smom]

We found out yesterday that one of the girls in our Brownie troop has ovarian cancer. We are totally stunned--I've never heard of this before in a child. The family is waiting for additional test results, etc., but the tumor and ovary were removed Friday. So, my question for anyone out there--have you been through this sort of thing, and if so, what can a Brownie troop do to help out in such a situation? We moms are already figuring on helping with housework, food, babysitting siblings, etc. We had the troop send flowers, but frankly, we're just overcome by the whole situation (this kid was perfectly healthy a week ago!). We would love to have the troop do things to cheer her up, make her life easier, and so forth through the long ordeal we know is ahead. Belle, bless her heart, has been growing out her hair for years, with the plan that once it reaches her knees, she'll send it to Locks of Love. Now she wants to donate it directly to Danielle, which is a sweet thought, but probably can't be done. Maybe the whole troop could do that? Anyway, any ideas, thoughts, prayers, pixie dust, whatever, please send it our way. I still can't believe this is happening to an 8-year-old. By the way, anyone know the cure rate for pediatric ovarian cancer? Her lymph nodes aren't involved. We're really hoping that it's better than the 5% for adults.

Sorry this is long and rambling, not thinking straight...

 

[kejoda]

How horrible. Prayers and all the get well pixie dust for her. The best thing you can do is to be there for the family. Ask her Mom what needs to be done. My head is just reeling from the news Ijust can't think of anything.

 

[CarolA]

I have a Brownie troop so I am trying to think about what I would do with my girls.

For starters I would probably make sure they know what is going on and aren't afaid it is something they could catch. I know that sometimes kids stay away from ill people on the theory that they could catch it. Your girls will probably be scared and confused by this.

Once the girl's treatment plan is determined I would get with the family and see what activities she can still do and plan some activities around that.

If she gets treated at a Children's Hosptial you might could have a service project doing something for the hospital and involve bot the ill girl and all of your girls.

I will keep thinking and let you know if I think of anything more specfic.

 

[nativetxn]

I have never heard of ovarian cancer in an 8 year old. Bless her heart, her parents must be terrified, I know I would be.

If she has to have chemotherapy and/or radiation treatments she is not going to have the energy for activies, perhaps her fellow Brownies could take turns spending an hour or two with her everyday or every other day (it will depend on how the little girl is feeling on a day by day basis). Perhaps take a DVD to watch with her or a book to read together, or a game to play, or pictures to paint.

This would not only help keep their friend entertained but it would give her mother a little break, too.

I am praying for this little girl and her family. I just can't imagine the fear and pain they are all experiencing right now.

Katholyn

 

[CEDmom]

Wow, I've never heard of this in a child. Are there other children in the family? If so, maybe the troop could do something for the siblings. I'm sure now they're scared for their sister but as time goes by and she gets a lot of attention there could be jealousy etc. I've seen this happen in other families where one child has a catastrophic illness. How friendly are you with the family? Things like meals, laundry, shuttling siblings around etc. are all a big help. I think the best thing the troop could do is not make this child feel different. She's going to have a tough road ahead and will need all her friends. It's really great to see kids rally around eachother in bad times. They should be very proud of themselves.

P.S. Prayers and PD for a full recovery

 

[CathyCanada]

That poor baby! I think the others have some terrific ideas but will say a prayer her and her family.
Bless you for being a wonderful friend at a time like this.
CC

 

[damo]

An friend of ours is a doctor and her neice at age 11 had ovarian cancer. She is fine now but it was very traumatic. She was hospitalized for quite a while. I don't remember the details since it was about five years ago. But she is alive and well. There are many ramifications to this disease that you wouldn't imagine. Of course, the childbearing issues but also deafness from the effects of the chemo and radiation. Luckily, this girl still has her hearing.

I remember them doing shifts to make sure that there was always someone with her in the hospital. I'm sure meals for the family would be very much appreciated.

 

[Beth E. (NJ)]

How frightening for the child and her family! Prayer and pixie dust for her full recovery.

 

[Pop Daddy]

I just hate when a kid has cancer , Ill pray for her, If you bump this up on Monday I bet Deb in Ia will know survial rate

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Sorry I didn't reply sooner--I was waiting to get some info...It turns out, the survival rate for this type (sorry, I don't remember the exact name) is over 90%. There are 900 cases a year in this country. Danielle had all the cancer removed, and has to go through 4 sessions of chemo, 5 days long, 3 weeks apart, and then she's done. We'll have the troop make her a quilt thing, where each girl draws a picture, then we transfer it to the cloth, so Danielle can bring it to the hospital and use it on her bed at home. We're also going to have each girl bring a bag of groceries/home stuff (soap, etc.) to the get-together when we make the quilt. We'll aso have each girl decorate a bandanna, and they can all wear them if/when Danielle loses her hair so they all match. Danielle will only miss a little school, and as it turns out, she was held back, which will actually make things easier for her. As cancer goes, the news couldn't be better. We're just so thrilled she has such a good chance, and a great spirit! Thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts and prayers, and any other suggestions still welcome.

 

[Pin Wizard]

Wow! Prayers and PD for that little girl.

 

[cgcw]

Such a sad story. I hope for the best for Danielle. I will keep her in my prayers.

 

[Kitty 34]

How sad! My thoughts and prayers go out to her.

 

[HauntedMansionGeek]

Thankyou VERY much for the update! I had often wondered how she was doing...........and it sounds like such positive news too!

 

[Saffron]

Wow! I have no idea how I missed this the first time around!

I just said a prayer for that little girl! What an ordeal for her to have to go through at such a young age. I will keep her in my prayers. I hope her prognosis is the best prognosis that anyone' any family could hope for!

Please keep us updated.

I like the bandana idea! I hope they are decorate them to make them special just for their group of friends. Cool!

 

[Dream]

Oh my...another one who missed this the first time around....wonderful that her prognosis is so good!!!! And some wonderful things the troop is doing for her!!!! (This troop must have a great leader!! )

I LOVE the bandana idea!!! And the quilt is something she can take with her when she goes to the hosp. for chemo sessions and I'm sure will bring her great comfort...sort of like a big group hug whenever she needs it!

Someone already had the idea of the girls visiting her when she is in the hospital if the situation allows. Brownies are awfully young to handle the situation if this child feels very ill after chemo...but if she is feeling ok I'm sure boredom is a huge factor! Having a pal to watch a movie with... wearing matching bandanas...would be quite a treat!!!

My prayers are with this little girl as she fights this battle. My prayers are also being said in thanks for leaders and girls who make me very proud to be involved in scouting!!!

 

[BuzznBelle'smom]

Saffron, they wo'n't let the girls go visit Danielle in the hospital, but they'll all get her phone number and be able to call her--poor thing, she's so afraid the troop will "forget" her! I'm also hoping they can visit her at home--even for 15 minutes, to play a game of cards or something, just to keep her spirits up. I also offered that the visitor's mom could maybe do the dishes or help clean up while the girls visit, just to help out the family. We're still working out the details.

We're really fortunate not only to have lots of good ideas (some are better than others, but, hey!). We also have great participation from our Brownie moms, which is a godsend!

 

[Gail T AGAIN]

Lie isnt fair. I ***** and moan about stupid things (ex. this weekend) but these kids can't even do that getting hit with this type of thing so young. Someone that comes into the tanning salon, he little boy, 6 yrs old has cancer and is not expected to life a long life. Wake a wish is sending him on a trip, I get so mad, why dioes this happen to kids