Honored Kid

Emerson M.

Age 5
Emerson M. Kid Photo

Location

Oakville, ON, CA

Diagnosis

Neuroblastoma

Date of Diagnosis

June 2022

Status

No evidence of disease

Treated At

McMaster Children's Hospital Hospital for Sick Children

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My Story

This is Emerson! In April 2022, shortly before his 3rd birthday, this super energetic/happy boy began waking up almost every night, complaining of tummy pain, and covered in sweat (which at the time, we didn't realize was relevant). After a week or so, his tummy pain continued into the day and he began vomiting. He had no fever, but was in excruciating pain. After an after hours phone call with a GP and a trip to the ER at SickKids, the consesus was it must be viral. No imaging was done and no bloodwork was taken. After another GP visit, and ER visit at McMaster, we still had no answers (reflux? constipation?). Even after requesting an ultrasound, no tests were done. On June 2, 2022, Emerson woke up with his usual tummy pain. In addition to this, he would not put any weight on his right leg. His dad promptly brought him back to McMaster, where blood work, x-ray, and ultrasound were finally performed. His blood showed increased inflammatory markers, and the ultrasound had a couple of mildly concerning findings. Because of this, he was admitted to pediatrics and sent for an MRI. The MRI discovered an 8 cm tumour above his left kidney, as well as lesions throughout his skull, upper arms, spine, pelvis, and femurs and bone marrow. He was then diagnosed with Stage 4, High Risk Neuroblastoma. He was promptly moved to the Oncology unit. In the following days he had more scans, a central line placed, and a surgical biopsy. After he recovered from some complications due to the surgery, he began his first round of chemotherapy. 5 rounds of chemotherapy, a 6 hour surgery, 2 stem cell transplants, 12 days of radiation, and 6 months of immunotherapy later, we are a week away from his final dose of treatment meds. Emerson responded well to the chemotherapy and surgery. Scans post his surgery showed there were no signs of cancer remaining in his bones/adrenal gland, however, a small amount of neuroblastoma cells remained in his bone marrow. We were hopeful that the remaining three stages of treatment would clear his marrow. As of September, his post treat scans showed it did! He is officially NED and has started his first year of kindergarten! He has recently been enrolled in a clinical trial out of Montreal involving and drug that shows promise in reducing relapse rates. Things seem to be going well so far. We are greatful to be able to participate in research that may keep Emerson, and many others healthy! After 16 months of treatment, and 150+ nights in hospital, we are so happy to see him being a little boy!

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