"It’s belonging to a club that you would wish on no other but now couldn’t imagine being without."
What is a momcologist? It’s every mother’s worst nightmare come to life.
Being a momcologist means that in the blink of an eye, your entire life changes. You become an advocate. You become your child’s voice, and sometimes, their strength. You become knowledgeable in areas that you never imagined. You learn everything you can about the disease that not only changes your child’s life but your family’s life and the life of every single person who knows her. It means attending every doctor’s appointment, every scan, every blood draw to make sure that her anxiety is managed and that yours is hidden beneath a façade of strength and calm. As a momcologist, your job is to ensure that your child’s voice is heard and never minimized – after all, she knows her body best.
Being a momcologist is willing your body to absorb the pain that you don’t want your child, your precious baby, to feel. You find yourself gasping for air in her absence and hoping that she doesn’t see your fears and worries. You don’t want to be one more burden when she is already experiencing more suffering than a child should ever have to.
Being a momcologist requires staying up late at night learning and reading as much as you can about this awful disease. You study every drug, every treatment option, every side effect. You see the world in a new light and learn to invest your time and energy wisely. You cherish every kiss, every hug, every moment. The little things become the big things. Your perspective changes and you approach life with appreciation for all that it offers. Momcologists value and appreciate life on a deeper level knowing that love and loss are a reality of our everyday. And yes, you may get impatient and have little time for negativity. You may cancel plans last minute or avoid certain social interactions all together. You don’t do this because you want to. You do it because you live in a different world.
Being a momcologist means ALWAYS trusting your gut because your child needs you to protect them. You find solace in other momocolgists as you rally together and pour your hearts out on social media. You find hope and belonging in other parents experiencing this same nightmare. Because at the end of the day, nothing is more powerful than your love for your child.
What is a momcologist? It’s belonging to a club that you would wish on no other but now couldn’t imagine being without.