A New Meaning to Being a Mom: Cancer Mom Denielle
[Presented by Atrium Health Levine Children’s]
Being a mom with a child who has cancer changes you. Being a mom who treats those children with cancer changes you too. Follow along Mother’s Day week as we hear from some of our Levine Children’s cancer moms and their oncology care providers, who are moms as well. Listen to what Mother’s Day means to them. And how living through a pandemic impacts momlife.
- Mom: Denielle Rosebrock
- Mom To: Sam (10-years old), Neuroblastoma (stage 4), Isaiah (age 15)
- Diagnosed: 2 years old, 2012 , relapsed 2014
- Status: In remission 4.5 years
- Updates: Hope for Sam Rosebrock
What does Mother’s Day mean to you? How has your child being diagnosed with cancer changed that meaning for you?
Mother’s Day to me is so surreal, a mixture of emotions. Most of the time it’s a day of reflection on how blessed I am to be mom to two absolutely amazing boys. But this day takes on a new meaning after you have seen moms grieve the loss of their beautiful babies. I know the reality of what sadness Mothers Day can bring for many and have tried to remember this each year as I love on my boys. I don’t share this with most, but I know cancer moms get it. Cancer moms in my eyes aren’t typical moms. We have received news that no mom wants to ever hear. For me the diagnosis of Sam’s cancer brought me to my knees and then centered me on what is truly important in life. Funny how memories and experiences are way more important than any material object could ever be. I cherish the small things way more than I could have ever imagined.
How has the current pandemic impacted you being a mom?
Oddly enough the pandemic has been somewhat easy on us. I was laid off work early on and the boys and I got into our at home routine. We did pandemic for five years! Well just this time the rest of our friends, family and world get to join in. I’m great at social distancing. Oddly enough I never got back into a life of much other than Isaiah and Sam. Not saying that is good but has definitely helped during this time. We have enjoyed our walks together daily with the dogs and swinging on the hammock. School work gets done and lots of good stories and chats. Laughter is the key and we have that one down pat. I missed out on a lot of time with Isaiah when Sam was sick. We live an hour and half from the hospital and I was there more than home for several years. I have cherished this time home with him. He is fifteen so he hasn’t cherished it quite as much but I know he will one day!
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**Disclaimer: photos featured were taken before masking and social distancing guidelines were in place.
