My mom went into labor and delivered my newest brother, Brendan, via emergency c-section on December 18, 2005. I was visiting my new brother and Mommy in the hospital when Daddy felt a lump on my tummy. We went the very next day for tests. On December 21st I was diagnosed with a Wilms' Tumor (nephroblastoma - kidney cancer). I went to Children's Memorial Hospital only two days later for a radical nephrectomy of my left kidney as well as removal of a football sized tumor and some inflamed lymph nodes. (Merry Christmas, right?!) Pathology confirmed I had a Wilms' Tumor Stage 3 (since there was one positive lymph node) with a favorable histology. I received my first chemotherapy treatment on Dec.29th and continued receiving treatments every week for 9 weeks and then every third week after that for another 4 months. I also received 6 rounds of radiation treatments. There were many bumps in the road for me resulting in numerous trips to the emergency room. The most severe was when I became neutropenic and needed a blood transfusion. Late in my treatment, my port pushed right through my chest and had to be removed early. In spite of it all, I had remained a normal, happy little boy. I am happy to say that I am N.E.D. now. (No Evidence of Disease) I still get scans once a year and (God willing) will be considered "cured" in June 2011.
My family says that I have always been a very compassionate and caring child, (always worried about others) but that my cancer has brought that out even more. I am in 5th grade this year and am doing very well in school. I started playing the trombone in our school band. I love all animals and one of my favorite places to go is the zoo. I love to read books, play video games or watch t.v. shows about Bakugan, Pokemon and comedy. I also participate in the YMCA's Adventure Guides with my father and brothers Devin and Brendan. I've played soccer in the past but am going to give baseball a shot this year. I also enjoy swimming and riding my bike. Every night I pray for other kids with cancer and my wish is that there is a cure some day!
UNTIL THERE'S A CURE.........
You can keep updated on my life at:
www.caringbridge.org/visit/christianlosurdo
