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I was bathing Danny and noticed a large mass in his abdomen
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Posted by: GingerJohnsen
one night I was bathing Danny and noticed a large mass in his abdomen. There was no warning. BOOM! Danny had cancer (Wilms Tumor). My life, which was coming together so nicely, was violently shattered overnight
http://anointed.net/dcforum/Images/cancer/danny1.jpg
Danny underwent the National Wilms Tumor Study Group DD4-A protocol, which included chemotherapy, abdominal/spinal radiation and surgery. Not only did Danny lose his right kidney, but the tumor occluded 15 cm of his inferior vena cava (fortunately, the blood is being carried to his heart through collatoral veins so he did not need inferior vena cava reconstruction), his right jugular vein, and appendix during this 8 hour surgery.
Danny is still never without a cold. His ped. put him on allegra thinking it might be an allergy. But, he still is sneezing and coughing.
This little kiddo is learning how to use it, though. He is now saying, "Mom, I have a cold, I can't go to school." I tell him, "Danny, you always have a cold!" He knows unless he is puking and has a fever, he is going to school.
School, though, has a tormenting element for Danny. He has had many problems with bullies. One even threatening to kill him; which was the same day this child brought a knife to school. In addition, most of Danny's school time is spent outside of class in special classes.
He is in reading and spelling resource, speech therapy, and he is now starting occupational therapy for his gross and fine motor skills so he can improve his writing. His therapist told me he is also dislexic. She suspects these problems may have occurred from the cord being wrapped around his neck. I also suspect his cancer therapy has added to these delays. Danny was seeing his school counselor once a week, but we just started him with a private therapist, to Danny's delight. Danny does get sick at school. I know I need extra help to make sure my little guy processes his many, deep feelings and emotions to his best benefit.
Danny is still our greatest delight. In fact, his therapist, Roger, commented how delightful Danny is and how easy it is to fall in love with Danny. He knows my boy!
If there is a Wilms Mom out there who could offer me some comfort, support and strength, please e-mail me at gerickso**co.slc.ut****
Thank you,
Ginger Erickson-Johnsen
Posted by: Jerry
Dear Ginger:
How has Danny been doing? We have been praying for him.
Blessings
Jerry