T.J.’s Story

Ewing’s Sarcoma at the Pelvis
With lung mets
Age at Diagnosis: 17
Date of Diagnosis: June 12, 2004
Location: Oklahoma

Diagnosis: I was a high school student athlete who had been receiving steroid shots, for two years, by my PCP for a supposed pinched nerve in my back. Finally enough was enough, and I asked for a MRI on my right hip. As soon as it came back they knew it wasn’t a pinched nerve. The tumor was the size of the ball of my favorite sport, Baseball. When I realized it was cancer, it felt like a warm blanket had been wrapped around all of my insides and I wasn’t scared at all of dying or anything. My family and friends took it a lot harder than I did. I just wanted to keep a smile on their faces to let them know that everything was going to be fine.

Treatment: I had surgery to remove a spot from my lungs and insert my port and the next week I started the 42 week program of chemo. Every three weeks I would go in for either three or fives days. I continued with my senior year of high school with a full head of steam, just without any hair. On my birthday, Oct 14, I started Radiation therapy. I took 31 total treatments on my chest and hip. That seemed to tire me out a lot more than the chemo did, but I continued to learn and try to make it be the best senior year ever. Around the first week of February, I started having terrible stomach pains. I got an x-ray and the surgeons said that I had a complete intestinal blockage. I received three surgeries within five weeks and ended up with an iliostomy bag. I stayed in the hospital for 3 1/2 months. I did get to go to prom for two hours, and walk across the stage at graduation though having to return to the hospital right after. I think that I kept the doctors and nurses more comfortable then anybody. I wanted to make sure they knew I wasn’t going to die.

Recovery: I started my first year of college in a wheelchair and I tried to make the best of my situation. I went to the hospital twice a week and physical therapy three times a week, while trying to maintain 12 hours of school. It was very challenging, but after getting through what I did, everything seems like a walk in the park. After three months of PT, I could walk, stand up straight, and almost run. I couldn’t believe the progress I had made. I received all of my tests and everything came back perfect. Cancer is still gone. The surgeons even informed me that on Dec. 29th 2005, that I was going to get my iliostomy hooked back up. Wow, starting 2006 with a whole new life and appreciation of every sunrise and sunset.

Life now: I am currently still in school wanting to become a high school social studies teacher. I talk to many parents at the children’s hospital trying to give them some insight on things to look for. I visit patients and former roommates on a weekly basis. I love just putting smiles on other people’s faces. My heart yearns out for me to touch at least one person everyday. I know that I am succeeding.

Thoughts and hints for new patients: I think the most important thing is to have a great attitude. I know you may ask yourself why me, but just know that everything in this world has a purpose and all things come together in the end. I think one of the most important things for me was listening and treating my nurses right. I always did as they told me no matter how much it hurt. They use me as an example now and nobody can take that away. They will help you so much. Just let them.