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Childhood Cancer

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One family’s story of hope

    I love taking my children places. I cherish the everyday activities of going to the park, a fun event or even the store. I don’t take any of this for granted, because not long ago, the only place I took my children was the hospital. 

    At nine months, my Lane was a happy baby. On a beautiful spring day, I took him to a well-baby checkup curious to find out nothing more than how he was measuring on the growth chart. But our physician felt a hardness in Lane's abdomen. I noticed his concern and began to worry. 

    Tests revealed a softball-sized tumor hidden inside my 19-pound boy. Dreading the answer, I asked, "Is it cancer?" With a solemn nod the doctor confirmed my fears. 

    Lane was diagnosed with neuroblastoma, an aggressive pediatric cancer. I felt helpless knowing I couldn’t fix this and could only offer love, but that it might not be enough. I couldn’t understand why my innocent child had cancer. I was terrified – for Lane and for the rest of my family. 

    The next day as Lane and my daughter, Lakin, were playing, it would have been easy to forget something was amiss except that we were in a hospital. Lane was dressed in a hospital gown, an IV taped to his small, chubby hand. My husband, Todd, and I didn’t leave his side. At bedtime, instead of sleeping in the hospital's crib, Lane nestled under my arm on a small cot. In other circumstances I would have been uncomfortable with the tight space. That night I cherished sleeping with my baby. 

    The next day I'll always remember. Panic rose when it was time for Lane to go to surgery. I walked down the corridor holding my baby, tears streaming down my face. I’ll always remember leaving Lane with the anesthetist and how the metal door slammed behind me, a symbol that what lay ahead was out of my hands. I’ll remember the hours-long wait, my relief at news of the surgery’s success, the journey to the post-op room. Although I’d been told pain would keep Lane from wanting to be picked up, I saw his scared eyes begging me to hold him. Despite his bandages and tubes, I scooped him up, held him close and thanked God. As I carried him down the hallway, I felt proud to be his mom. I approached my family with tears pouring down my face and a bright smile. The past two days had been a whirlwind. Never had I experienced so many emotions: panic, anger, sadness, worry, confusion and joy. 

    The months following were a roller coaster. Lane endured chemotherapy, surgeries and infections. He became my hero. Though his treatment was difficult, Lane endured it with bravery, strength and a sweet smile.

Our lives changed quickly and completely. Watching and anticipating medical tests became a weekly occurrence. We made heart-racing trips to the emergency room for high fevers, cringed at huge bumps caused from low platelets and empathized when Lane’s chest catheter caused him pain. Face masks became a necessity. We quit taking our children to public places. A normal childhood was ripped from their lives. Playgrounds were replaced by hospitals, swimming pools by sponge baths. 

    For 16 months Lane fought cancer, and soon after his second birthday, he won his battle. Lane, now 4, is still my hero. 

    His struggles brought transformation. I’ve stopped questioning why he experienced cancer. I now ask why some children overcome it while others lose their battles. And now, I find joy in the little things: a laugh, a trip to the park, a hug. I am so thankful for life's blessings, especially my little hero.

Early Detection Saves Lives

    The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends children have well-child checkups by doctors regularly that include a physical exam and a series of anticipatory questions. Children should have checkups two days following discharge from the hospital after birth, at 2 weeks, 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, 9 months, 12 months, 15 months, 18 months, 2 years and annually until age 18. In addition, parents should take their children to the doctor if they notice anything irregular. 

    “Much of my job is reassurance. Reassurance is worth a lot. I always tell parents that it’s better to be sure than unsure,” Dr. Mark Mozer, a pediatrician at Cockerell McIntosh Pediatrics in Blue Springs and Independence said. “If after reassurance something is still wrong, take your child back. Be assertive. If you don’t like the doctor’s explanation, get a second opinion.” 

    Liberty mom Staci Tubbs’ son Jakob had Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. For more than three years he was in treatment. Now a happy 11-year-old, Jakob suffers from medical problems caused from the intense treatment he received to rid his body of cancer. She continues to take her three children to the doctor regularly for both well-child checkups and for other symptoms that present themselves. 

    “I’m always on high alert and won’t let anything fall through the cracks,” Tubbs said. “Worry is always in the back of my mind. I don’t take illnesses like the common cold for granted anymore.” 

    Both she and Mozer understand first-hand the importance of an early diagnosis of childhood cancer. “Parents have a good feel for when something is not right,” Mozer said. “If something seems wrong, then take your child to the doctor.” 

    Above all, trust your instincts, Tubbs says. “Don’t ever misjudge maternal instincts,” she said. “You know your child better than anyone else.”

Childhood Cancer Warning Signs

Kara Cunningham lives in Baldwin City with her husband and two children. She spends her time advocating for childhood cancer awareness and teaching at Ottawa University.

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