Type of Sarcoma: Ewing’s Sarcoma
Date of Diagnosis: 2010
Location: side
In August 2010, I was busy getting ready for my freshman year at the University of Minnesota, College of Biological Sciences. I was really looking forward to college and pursuing my dream of a career in the field of genetics. Two weeks before school began, I had a cyst removed that came back with the surprising results of cancer. I received that phone call the day before I was to head off to college.
The following week I learned that I had Ewing Sarcoma so on September 16th I started my first chemo session. I was at the UMN Amplatz Children’s Hospital so rather than a student on campus, I was a patient. All of my chemo was administered in the hospital every two weeks – three days and then two weeks later five days. I finished my first six chemo sessions in December and then had surgery in late December. In January 2011, I began eight additional sessions of chemo and finished the end of May. I met many wonderful people while at Amplatz Children’s Hospital and even made some contacts that will help me with my dream of being on a research team in genetics at the University of Minnesota. I faced each day with a smile and made the best of a challenging year.
One of my highlights during that year of treatment was a hospital visit from my favorite band Rogue Valley. I must say it was an awesome surprise and I have some great memories, along with pictures, an autographed CD and poster. I was a part of the move to the brand new Amplatz Children’s Hospital and hold the honor of being the first oncology patient to be admitted to the new hospital. I was granted a wish from Wishes and More and I look forward to a snowboard/ski trip to Colorado with my family this coming winter over Christmas break. I also received a scholarship from the American Cancer Society.
I made it through the year of treatment with the support of my family, church and friends. My parents spent a lot of time with me at the hospital and my brother came home as often as possible to hang out with me. I cannot forget about my dog, Gus. Gus and I spent lots of time together and he even made some trips to the hospital. Everyone loved Gus; he always makes you laugh. I knew I was never alone on my journey to beat the cancer, as I had so many people praying for me and encouraging me every step of the way.
On June 9, 2011 I received that great news that my scans were clear of cancer. I prepared to begin college at the University of Minnesota in September. Life is good!
