Patient Updates
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Stephan |
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Age: 13 |
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Diagnosis: desmoplastic small round cell tumor (learn more) |
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In early 2007, Stephan began complaining of frequent stomach pain. After several visits to his pediatrician, it was suspected that something was seriously wrong with the young boy. Doctors at his local hospital began running tests and discovered that Stephan had several tumors growing throughout his abdomen.
Stephan's mother had been familiar with the work of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Her family had donated to the hospital for many years through their business. She knew that the research at St. Jude would be crucial to saving her son's life. She asked her doctors to send Stephan's medical records, and he received a referral to the hospital for treatment.
At St. Jude, doctors diagnosed desmoplastic small round cell tumor, a highly aggressive cancer that frequently occurs as multiple masses in the abdomen involving the regional lymph nodes and the lining of the abdomen and pelvis. Only 20 percent of children with this tumor survive. Stephan underwent surgery to remove the tumors. While most of the cancer was successfully removed, a small tumor behind Stephan's heart proved too risky for surgeons to go after.
Stephan underwent 10 rounds of high-dose chemotherapy. While many children face serious side effects from the treatment, Stephan seemed to get through the treatments quickly and with little complication. "I couldn't believe the energy that Stephan had each and every time we went through chemotherapy,"said his mother. "Stephan just puts on a strong face and says, 'This is just something we have to do to get better. I need to show everyone how strong I can be.' He amazes me every day with his strength and courage."
In the summer of 2007, scans showed that the chemotherapy had shrunk the remaining tumor. While this was good news for Stephan, his battle was far from over. He underwent another round of high-dose chemotherapy to prepare his body for a bone marrow transplant. After the transplant, he received more than a dozen rounds of radiation. But through it all, Stephan continues to show amazing bravery. "I know that what they're learning from me will help other children," said Stephan.
"I want these kids to know that there is hope and that someday we will find a cure for this cancer."
In early 2008 -- Stephan completed his last radiation treatment and returned home to the beaches
of Florida. For now, he will return to St. Jude regularly for scans to make sure the cancer has
not returned.
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