May 20, 2008 7:12 pm US/Eastern
Woman Who Survived Brain Tumor Tells Her Story
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
As she tends her garden, Deb DeMella knows -- as well as anyone can -- the hurricane of emotions now battering Sen. Ted Kennedy. "It's a very difficult and challenging time, and I felt very isolated -- like a nightmare that was never going to end. I kept waking up in the morning saying, 'This can't be real.'"
It was 1991. Her kids were 6, 9, and 11 when DeMella was diagnosed with a malignant brain tumor. She had surgery, radiation, chemo and made funeral plans. "I finally had to realize that if that was the way my life was going to be, then I had to either accept that, or not accept it, but that was the reality."
She lost some use of her left arm and leg, but gained a strong will to help others who are in the same boat by founding a survivors group and becoming a holistic therapist. But that transition took time -- something Sen. Kennedy has not yet had the benefit of.
"It's devastating. It's a life-changing event. I don't know if a lot of people can realize that unless they're really dealing with it, or have encountered it."
And while the senator digests his diagnosis, DeMella says the support and respect of family and friends will be critical.
Of course, DeMella was a 36-year-old nurse when cancer came -- not a 76-year-old senator. Doctors say DeMella has outlived the statistics and she is optimistic that when Kennedy gets passed these darkest of days, he will, too.
To learn more about DeMella's support group, visit the link below: Center For Cancer Support and Education
180 Mass. Ave.
Arlington, Mass.
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