Life After Childhood Cancer: Luke’s Latest Off-Treatment Scans
When he was 3 years old, Luke, one of five St. Baldrick’s Ambassadors in 2013, was diagnosed with embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a type of childhood cancer in the connective tissues. Luke, now 7, has been off treatment and cancer free for over 2 years.
Luke’s mom, Monica, shares the story of Luke’s most recent scans.
As part of Luke’s off-treatment protocol for pediatric cancer, he undergoes regular MRIs of his abdomen and pelvis. Weeks before the procedure, we talk with him about it and give him the option of “sleepy medicine” or no “sleepy medicine.” The procedure takes about 90 minutes from start to finish. Although our facility is equipped with technology to distract him from the noise of the MRI, he opts to take the medicine. This involves going under anesthesia for the procedure. As we talk about what this means, Luke says to us, “I wish I just never had cancer in the first place.” He doesn’t say anything after that. Just matter-of-factly puts it out there.
Immunogenomics to Create New Therapies for High-Risk Childhood Cancers
Formerly known as the St. Baldrick’s – Stand Up to Cancer Pediatric Cancer Dream Team, this team is now the St. Baldrick’s EPICC Team (Empowering Pediatric Immunotherapies for Childhood Cancer).
Curative chemotherapy for cancer was first realized in children. Survival rates for many of the common cancers in children improved dramatically through the last part of the 20th century. However, those cure rates have plateaued since the 1990s, and for some childhood cancers, we have seen little to no improvements.
Announcing the Stand Up To Cancer – St. Baldrick’s Pediatric Cancer Dream Team [VIDEO]
Formerly known as the St. Baldrick’s – Stand Up to Cancer Pediatric Cancer Dream Team, this team is now the St. Baldrick’s EPICC Team (Empowering Pediatric Immunotherapies for Childhood Cancer).
From a long list of innovative “big ideas,” the scientific reviewers representing both funding organizations had chosen the top four to submit detailed proposals. The experts agreed that any of these would be great investments, but for a grant of $14.5 million over four years, only one could be chosen.
The suspense ended with an enthusiastic round of applause when the winning Dream Team was announced at a reception tonight at the annual meeting of the American Association of Cancer Research (AACR). The evening’s emcee was actor Kyle MacLachlan, and speakers included Nobel Laureate Dr. Philip Sharp, St. Baldrick’s CEO Kathleen Ruddy, and 10-year-old cancer survivor Emma W. and her parents.
And the award goes to:
Dr. Brad Doubles Donations on His Head for Kids With Cancer
Dr. Brad compares haircuts with patient and fellow shavee, Gerry; Dr. Brad’s office sign
“If you shave your head, it will be the most EXPENSIVE haircut you get because you’ll be paying for a divorce! I dare you!”
That was my wife’s response after she found out I was going to go bald at the St. Christina Cardinals event organized by my patient, Rita Kennedy.
Well, not one to back down from a dare, I became a shavee for the first time in 2011.
$7 Million Raised for Childhood Cancer Research
Ambassador Luke celebrates $7 Million raised for childhood cancer research
When we asked 2013 St. Baldrick’s Ambassador Luke Fochtman what he wanted to say to all the amazing volunteers out there helping to raise money to help kids just like him live long and healthy lives, he replied with, “Thanks for giving me the chance to build more Legos!”
Thank you, Luke, we couldn’t have said it better!
At just 3 years old, Luke was diagnosed with stage IV embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare type of childhood cancer that affects the muscles. He endured nearly 70 weeks of aggressive treatments — including multiple rounds of chemotherapy, daily radiation — and suffered through many central line infections. Through it all, Luke remained positive and strong.
Luke’s mom, Monica, says:
Federal Budget Cuts Threaten Childhood Cancer Research Funding
Monica Fochtman, mom to Luke, a St. Baldrick’s Foundation 2013 Ambassador, shares how the congressional budget sequester affects kids with cancer and how you can help.
Meet Luke
Diagnosed with stage 4 embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma, cancer of the connective tissues, just five days after his third birthday, Luke endured 70 weeks of treatment – multiple rounds of chemotherapy, six weeks of daily radiation and many central line infections. “The amazing part is that Luke never said no to us. Not once, not ever,” his mom, Monica, recalls. He just fought the cancer. Now, two years off-treatment, he remains cancer free.
Meet Jordan
When he was 16, Jordan was diagnosed with a very aggressive soft-tissue sarcoma. The doctor said, “We have your diagnosis. It’s alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, and you will most likely not survive.” Jordan responded with strength and a sense of calm. He was the very definition of grace, courage and strength. After 23 months of treatment, Jordan passed away five days before his 18th birthday.
Meet Emily
In December 2011, Emily was diagnosed with a cancer of the bone, chondroblastic osteosarcoma, in her right tibia. Her “whatever needs to be done” attitude has helped her through the 18 rounds of chemotherapy and a lengthy surgery to remove the tumor along with seven inches of her right tibia. Emily will be in a wheelchair until at least March 2013, but she’s building stamina each day.
Sofia: Fighting Childhood Cancer With a Bright Attitude, and a Smile
I was the average teenager and had been a cheerleader since I was in third grade. I always enjoyed going out with friends and having fun but when I was diagnosed, I was lucky if my counts were high enough to go to the movies. My summer plans crumbled under the word “cancer.”
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