'It's been a nightmare': Perth family's 'new normal' filled with rollercoaster of emotions

The McIlroy family have been living a nightmare within the coronavirus pandemic that has completely turned their lives upside down.

It all started on May 4 when three-year-old Luca started vomiting after breakfast and was unsteady on her feet.

Her mum Brooke took her to the doctor, but before she knew it Luca was being admitted to Perth Children’s Hospital where she was diagnosed with an atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumour, an insidious, aggressive brain cancer.

After three days in hospital, Luca underwent a seven-hour surgery to remove the rare tumour.

The experience was a rollercoaster, Brooke said, especially with the added pressure and challenge of further separating the family due to coronavirus restrictions.

“It’s like a nightmare that you just can’t seem to wake up from,” Brooke said.

“Luca was a very active and happy-go-lucky child, who loved life. We were also just starting to get over the separation anxiety she had since her dad and I split.”

Only one family member was allowed on the ward and in Luca’s room throughout her two-week hospital stay, which Brooke said had been tough on all of them.

“My emotions have been a rollercoaster,” the mother of two said.

“I have been absolutely broken by what is happening. It’s been incredibly hard on [Luca's father] Scott. Her dad and six-year-old sister couldn’t visit the ward. It’s been hard for me to be in two places at once – I’ve suffered a lot of guilt for whatever child I’m not with.”

Family visits were only possible in the PCH foyer and when Luca was well enough.

It was more than a week after Luca’s surgery she was able to finally see her older sister Emmy, which Brooke said was “an emotional but sweet little reunion”.

“They both obviously really missed each other,” she said.

“Luca was so happy when she saw her that she started crying. Emmy was just overjoyed to see her sister because she was so worried about her. The reunion was day nine post-operation when Luca was finally well enough to be taken into the hospital lobby to meet her.”

Since that milestone of being able to leave her hospital bed, Luca has been discharged and is now home with her family where they’ll likely remain in isolation due to Luca’s vulnerability as she’s immunosuppressed.

“There are winds of happiness when she hits milestones,” Brooke said.

“It’s hard to be happy for long though when you know what’s ahead.”

Luca will have to return to hospital next week to start seven months of intensive treatment consisting of high-dose chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

While the term ‘new normal’ has been thrown around during the pandemic, no one else feels this more than Brooke who said her life was now trying to juggle staying at the hospital with Luca, while also trying to parent Emmy, so she didn't feel rejected.

To help assist the family with new financial pressures and to care for Luca full-time, Brooke’s sister Lisa Wolski has set up a GoFundMe page that has already raised more than $57,000.

“The first goal will be to purchase a dedicated pram,” Ms Wolski said.

“It’s hard to believe that less than a fortnight ago Luca was at home seemingly well doing what she loves, dancing.

“The family have been truly humbled and overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and support already.”

Brooke said she couldn’t thank those who had donated at this tough time enough for their support and prayers for her little girl.

“I have no words,” she said. “I’m floored by the amount of support and love for Luca.”

Scott said he was overwhelmed by all the positive vibes.

“Can’t thank people enough,” he said.

“We are lucky to have the backing of amazing family, friends and community. Forever grateful.”