Nothing is happening today with my 5 month old nephew.
The grapefruit size mass is coming out of his right kidney, pushing all of his arteries, veins, and organs to the very left side of his stomach. They found that the main artery in his belly was not attached to the mass, which is really good. So far, all of the X-rays, scans, and ultrasounds seem to be showing good signs of a benign tumor and inactive cancer.
They go into surgery tomorrow morning to see what type of cancer it is and if they can remove it while taking out the tumor and his right kidney. If they can remove it, they are going to. If it has spread or is an active cancer, they are going to start radiation next week. I am hoping Wilm's or nueroblastoma because I hear they are the best types of cancer in an infant (if there is a best type of cancer. You know what I mean!)
Just sort of venting... It is nice having somewhere to say what is happening and to have positive support.
Anyone been through Wilm's or Nueroblastoma with an infant? Anyone know a 5 month old with cancer?
It 100% is cancer, it just depends on what type it is now.
We just got the news that surgery is definitely on for tomorrow, and chemo is a must now. It just depends on if it is wilm's or nueroblastoma. Wilm's chemo is much easier and is outpatient, but the other will keep him hospitalized for a while.
Some mentioned lotsa helping hands great website.
also carepages or caringbridge. they can post updates w/o having to call everyone. Do they live close to you? stocking the kitchen w/ easy food is a fantastic idea.
I know it is 7 months away....Icing smiles. AMAZING charity. local bakers making amazing birthday cakes. Where is he receiving treatment?
Not a 5 month old, but a 1 year old. It was tough but he did live (smaller than average though...)
Thanks Beth for keeping us updated. Awhile back someone asked what posts affected them. Yours certainly does. I don't know anyone with a child so sick. My heart goes out to your family and you are in my thoughts and prayers. Godspeed! In my minds eye, there is a picture of your family in the future telling a young boy the story about when he was a baby, how he was so strong and overcame so much. A family legend you can share with him on his birthdays. I hope this adversity shapes him to be strong and your family to be close. I know this isn't something we can wish away, just hope it is as positive as possible and that time passes quickly and with the least amount of stress as possible for your family.
I dated a guy who's 5 month old niece had a tumor on one of her major organs (we had broken up so I don't know all of the details). I am happy to report that after chemo, etc. she is now a pre-teen and is doing great!
Sorry to hear you are going through this - best of luck to you and your family.
the child I mentioned in a previous posting did have a neuroblastoma, but was KG-age. She just graduated & is headed to college!
Here's some ideas on how to make this go easier for the family:
Keeping the house full of quick, easy, & tasty food/snacks/drinks will help the family.....as will a travel bag full of snacks, $1 bills (vending machines), & books/magazines/activity books for the family.
I also carry wet wipes, Kleenex & hankies, Tylenol/Motrin, hand sanitizer, hand lotion (hospitals are dry!), a neck pillow, small blanket, & a notebook - because everything the dr/staff says needs to be written down....this is the worst time to rely on just your memory!
For myself, I also carry lip balm, a toothbrush, deoderant & other personal care products.
All of these thoughts stem from years of living at the hospital.....our daughter lived in the NICU/PICU for all of her 19 days. Our oldest son is 23 & has been thru 4 major bone/hip surgeries. & the rest of us have had a variety of issues....including my DHs heart surgery a few years ago. A travel bag truly does ease the hardships of living at the hospital. With my DH's surgery, I lived on the food I brought & did not leave the hospital for over a week.....just a few trips out to the truck to refresh my supplies/clothes. Thank goodness for PB, apples, crackers, & other quick foods!
& again, thoughts & prayers being sent your way. Stay strong.....
I am glad there is a plan. I have never known anyone going throough this. But by reading what you post, I am learning.
I am sending you all strength and health for your nephew.
I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and will Hope/ Pray/ send well wishes everyday for you all. I can only imagine the stress you all are under. Please keep us all posted!!!!
From the moment I read your initial post, I had a feeling that this was NOT going to turn out to be cancer, and I still have said feeling, take it or leave it. I pray your nephew is able to keep his vital organs as is minus the mass and move on from this. Remember to teach him growing up that "Chicks Dig Scars!" Put "out there" that your nephew is well and cancer free, basically get out of the dark scary place, there are enough people who are there you obviously care about what is going on and are "in the know" so now it's time to "just know" that all will be well with him.
I am REALLY sorry that any of you are going through any of this, it's just not fair. But we are all concerned and keeping you in our prayers so please keep us posted
HUGS KISSES and BEST WISHES
Hi Beth. I'm glad to see your update post. I was hoping that you would let us know how the latest. I'm so sorry to hear that it is definitely cancer. I wish that there is something I could do to help your nephew. God the thought of a 5 month old precious little thing needing surgery and chemo just breaks my heart and brings tears to my eyes. I am sure that he is a tough Little Guy and will be able together through this. I'm sure you and your family are going through a lot of emotions and stress. I pray and hope everything turns out fine in the end. Hugs.
Thank you for keeping us posted ..... this is so terribly sad but you have to believe that he is going to be ok .... i am not sure where your nephew lives but there is a site - Lotsa Helping Hands - I think it's attainable everywhere - it will help your family and friends to let everyone know what is going on and people can sign up for certain days/nights to help clean or bring food to the house, etc .... it really is a big communication helper ..... g-d bless and please keep us posted - you will all be in our prayers!
Hi Beth, I wrote to you previously about my son who had passed two years ago on the 15th and he had Neuroblastoma BUT he was much older which made it very rare. I have also heard that there was a better success rate in infants who had those types of cancers. You and your family are in my prayers and continue to stay strong for eachother. LOVE
M. A.
P.S. Thank you for the updates ;)
Prayers sent his way.
I don't know anything about the cancers, but I just want you to know that I will continue to send prayers to your nephew and family. I'm sorry to hear it is cancer, but it is so curable in young children. There is so much they can do. Please keep hope and faith.
Thank you for the update.
Blessings,
B.
Beth, This must be some scary times for your whole familly. But keep faith and know that we are all praying for him. He will be okay. Thank you for keeping us posted. My prayers go out to your nephew and your whole family!!!
Beth,
I just wanted to let you know that you have tons of positive support here. Our family is continuing to keep your family in our thoughts and pray for your nephew. Please continue to give us updates.
Hugs,
A.
The nurse anesthetist I told you about before had Wilms.
