Our Devastating News
As some of you know, we received the sad news this week that Willa’s cancer has spread to her lungs. Everyone was shocked as Willa has been feeling great and appeared to be responding to her treatment. A number of factors make it extremely unlikely that she would respond to further aggressive therapy, and she would have a high risk of significant side effects. Nobody knows how long she has left, but it is probably several months.
Willa’s 3 and ½ year old mind is blissfully innocent of her medical condition. In fact, she continues to take on the persona of various princesses throughout the day. You have to be quite alert to keep up with her various alter-egos, as well as those she assigns you. Harper is at times baffled as Willa decides Harper will be “Cinderella, Momma, or Willa” all in the matter of a few hours.
We will take a few trips in the next couple of weeks, first to Disney World (April 23rd-28th) where Willa will fulfill her dream of “seeing where the princesses live” and then we will spend some time on the beach (May 5th-14th).
We are greatly saddened by the turn of events but take heart that Willa has generally felt pretty well this past year and had some great experiences. This would not have been possible without medical advances in the treatment of her rhabdomyosacoma over the past few decades and the dedicated and first rate care she received at Children's Hospital by her oncologist Dr. Kerry Moss and all the other physicians, nurses, and staff. Her creativity and strong personality have made an impression on a number of her peers (and our peers).
We have been touched by all the support we have received this past 10 months. We are also very touched by Elma and our Westside friends’ Relay for Life in honor of Willa and in support of those with cancer. We are planning to honor Willa with a hero party (this was planned to celebrate completion of chemo but now more than ever-she deserves a hero party) and we will post evites as soon as we firm up plans.
Your love, support, and prayers have kept us strong throughout,
Stacy, Henry, Willa, and Harper
posted by Emily @ 8:10 PM
3 Comments:
At April 21, 2008 at 4:54 AM ,
Eve C. said...
Hi Fischer Family! I love all the great pics! Have fun on your adventure to the 'land where princesses live'! Remember to take plenty of pics to share with us all. I'm already looking forward to them! Can't wait to see Willa, Harper and of course, Frank and Oscar again! You're in our thougths and prayers...always! Eve
At April 21, 2008 at 5:38 AM ,
michele o. said...
My dearest Stacy and Henry, my thoughts, prayers and heart go out to you. Strange that I have been thinking of you very strongly this past week. Although I am far away, you have never been far from my mind and heart, especially during this ordeal. ANYTHING I can do, please ask. I will do everything I can to be at your loving hero party. You have been blessed with a beautiful girl with two fanatastic and loving parents. Enjoy the magical world of disney and the tranquility of the beach. May your time with her fill you with a lifetime of beautiful memories. All my love and support, Michele (with one "l").
At May 4, 2008 at 4:43 PM ,
Street-Wuppermanns said...
Hi Willa, Harpie, Henry and Stacy!
Your Leadville friends are thinking of you. Your Disney pictures are beautiful and Willa, you are a true princess! Enjoy Hawaii and we would love to see you this summer, so call us when you get home to Colorado. Maybe we can make-up that zoo trip!
All our love and prayers,
Mia, Heidi, Eric and Christine
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