Parents, you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers.

Or just as likely, we’ve got questions and you’ve got answers.

Challenge: Open Discussion

Our twins have cancer. Here’s why we wear a mask.

17
Vote up!
Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Email this article

I have a moment to myself. That's it, a moment. I do not get many of them. And I am OK with and happy with that.

Our two year old twin girls, Ella and Eve, both have a rare aggressive #Cancer . They not only share the same DNA, but the same cancer. Everyday is an uphill battle. But, they are my heroes.

They were both diagnosed with cancer at 1 month old. They've probably spent more time in the hospital than at home. They've endured chemotherapy, ostomy bags, seizures, feeding tubes, deadly infections, uncontrollable blood pressures, septic shock, life support, countless examines under anesthesia, and their fight is ongoing.

I get it. People think it's a violation of their rights to wear a mask. However, I feel that if I don't wear a mask, it's violating the rights of my twins to LIVE. It's violating the rights of others who also wear a mask and want to LIVE.

Some say a mask doesn't provide protection. But would you want to go under anesthesia, have an operation, or see a dentist who wasn't wearing a mask? I sure wouldn't. Masks have been required of doctors and nurses for decades. Now we are being asked to step up, and wear a mask to save others. I find that to be heroic.

See, whenever our twins are at the hospital (even before Pandemic), doctors always gowned up. ALWAYS Head to toe. And, it kept our twins safe. Safe from those tiny microorganisms that could kill them. I know that, because I witnessed it first hand. So if my precious twins' lives were saved by a mask, then I will proudly wear a mask, for them and everyone else.

We have been under quarantine for months. It's nothing new to us. Its familiar ground. They've gone through grueling chemotherapy, and their blood counts would sit at zero for weeks. So, we would stay at home. Now, we keep them at home to protect them from the coronavirus. They've been through so much already, I cannot imagine them suffering in a hospital again. They are currently immunodeficient from what they have been through. The Corona Virus could easily kill them. I am heartbroken, I am scared, I am tired, I am weary. But, I would do anything to make sure they are safe.

Now, the virus has caused their treatments and appointments to be delayed or canceled. My husband's employment has gone from 7 days a week, to virtually zero. We are scared to bring them into a community setting.

Currently, we enjoy every moment we have with Ella and Eve, as tomorrow is not promised. Stay Safe.

They are strong and they are brave. I am proud that they are mine. I, mom, am also a Cancer Survivor. And I wear a mask. #Retinoblastoma #ChildhoodCancers #twins #Anxiety #Depression #wearamask #RareDisease #sisters #Health #MedicallyFragile #Toddlermom#Deafness #cancerresearch #Awareness #Safety

@OakleyTwinsJourney



This post comes from the TODAY Parenting Team community, where all members are welcome to post and discuss parenting solutions. Learn more and join us! Because we're all in this together.