Kevin’s Story

Kevin died of Ewing’s sarcoma on May 17, 2008. This is his story as he wrote it in January 2006.

Ewing’s sarcoma at the scapula
Age at Diagnosis: 32
Date of Diagnosis: June 2004
Location: New York State
Surgeon: Dr. Patrick Boland
Oncologist: Dr. Paul Myers
Hospital: Memorial Sloan Kettering in New York City

Diagnosis: I had had surgery for a torn labrum in my left shoulder in March of 2004. When I visited my doctor for my three-month checkup (June 9), I had swelling in my left shoulder. The doctor ordered x-rays that showed a dramatic change in my left scapula. Seeing this change, he ordered an MRI to look more closely. The MRI showed erosion in my left scapula. At this time, he was confused. My previous MRI (Dec. 2003), showed no defects or problems with the scapula. He was concerned that I may have had some reaction to the anchors from the surgery. Or worse, that it may be an infection or some type of tumor.

Because I live in a small town, he sent me to an orthopedic oncologist in Syracuse. As soon as this new doctor saw my scans, he ordered a battery of new tests (including a bone scan and CT scan) and did a soft-tissue biopsy of the swollen area. I received the news of a diagnosis of Ewing’s Sarcoma the following day (June 16). An appointment to see a medical oncologist in Syracuse was made for June 21.

When my family and I learned of the diagnosis, we went into the initial visit with the first oncologist with the knowledge that Ewing’s is rare and one should get a second opinion (preferably at a large cancer center.) Once my first visit was completed, I managed to get an appointment at Sloan-Kettering for two-days later (June 23). Unlike my visit with the first oncologist, my visit at Sloan was with a medical oncologist in the Pediatric Clinic. Ewing’s, being a predominantly pediatric cancer, is primarily treated in pediatrics at Sloan-Kettering.

The treatment protocol followed by the doctor at Sloan varied greatly from the one put forth by the first medical oncologist. After a number of conversations with family members, I decided to have my treatments done at Sloan-Kettering. Before treatments could begin, my medical oncologist ordered a PET scan. Additionally, he wanted to look at the slides of my biopsy to ensure the initial diagnosis was correct.

I had a dual-mediport inserted and a bone marrow biopsy conducted on June 28. I began my first cycle of chemo on the following day, June 29th.

Of course, the logistics of having treatments done in New York City can be daunting if one doesn’t live in New York City. For patients ages 26 (I believe) and under, there is a Ronald McDonald House that offers truly reasonable rates and is just a short walk from the hospital. The social workers can help set that up. If you are over that age, I am 33, it is increasingly more difficult. Fortunately, I have had a tremendous help from family and friends that enabled me to stay in the city.

After completing my first protocol, I was diagnosed with a recurrence of Ewing’s in May of 2005. This diagnosis was approximately 5 1/2 months after my treatments ended. Once again, I started treatments again fairly quickly.

Treatment: Since I was treated in a pediatric ward, I am unaware of how my experience differs from those who have been treated in an adult oncology center. At Sloan-Kettering, my medical oncologist was the point-man of a team which included an orthopedic oncologist, a radiation oncologist, various nurse practitioners, and nurses. Although the doctors could be and are always busy, they generally offered great amounts of time for answering questions and explaining procedures or other things. I understand that many have had some difficulties with various parts of the hospital, but my experiences have been good.

For my initial diagnosis of metastatic Ewing’s, I followed a protocol of seven cycles of chemotherapy, surgery for my primary tumor, and radiation therapy for the other spots. Chemo included three three=week cycles of vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide, followed by three three-week cycles of ifosfamide and etoposide, and concluded with a cycle of vincristine, doxorubicin, and cyclophosphamide.

My surgery was completed following the fourth cycle of treatment. The surgery called for the removal of my left scapula and the muscles and tendons surrounding it. Once the scapula was removed, the doctor transplanted a scapula from a donor and fixed it in place with surrounding muscle.

Once healed from the surgery, I began the remaining three cycles of chemo and twenty sessions of radiation therapy to deal with the smaller spots that had appeared in my right femur and spine. In all, the treatment protocol lasted roughly 6 months. The treatment itself went fairly well. I, fortunately, had little nausea but dealt with periods of neutropenia. Simply put, a regular cycle of chemotherapy would be as follows – Week 1 – two to five days of chemo (depending on the drugs), Week 2 – neutropenic for much of the weeks with regular doses of GCSF to promote white blood cell growth, and Week 3 – recovery in preparation for the start of a new cycle.

Following the diagnosis of a recurrence of Ewing’s in May of 2005 (noted on a PET scan and MRI), my medical oncologist offered a new protocol. I would do three rounds of cyclophosphamide and topotecan and 10 radiation sessions. Once completed, I entered a clinical trial that called for a bone marrow transplant. I had my transplant on July 26, 2005 and am currently recovering from that.

Recovery: Having dealt with a recurrence so quickly following the completion of my first treatment protocol, I feel I have been recovering for some time now. Over the course of treatment, I have generally felt well. I have been able to eat well and continue to enjoy a decent amount of energy.

Due to my shoulder operation being rather extensive, I have done quite a bit of physical and occupational therapy to regain as much mobility and usage of my left shoulder as possible. My orthopedic doctor is unsure exactly what I will be capable of over the long haul but at the very least, I have reached his minimum goals. These would be full elbow function. I have gone beyond that now and have gained some shoulder function. With more work, my shoulder function should keep increasing.

Most importantly, I feel that I am in a good place mentally. Being diagnosed with cancer can be quite a blow to the psyche. It created quite a few moments of anxiety and doubt. Although there can be times I feel an uncertainty about the future, those feelings don’t dictate me.

Life now: Six-months from a bone marrow transplant and I am still in recovery. Due to this recovery process, I have not gone back to work yet but am looking forward to the day I can. I am fairly active in other things though. I walk and read regularly and enjoy a healthy with family and friends. In many ways, my relationships have become much more open and honest.

Thoughts and hints for new patients: A little solitude is not a bad thing. Dealing with a diagnosis of cancer is quite difficult and needs some quiet time to help smooth the acceptance process. At the same time, open and honest communication with family, friends, other cancer patients, survivors, and care givers is very important. From talking to others, one can gain knowledge and reassurance. Also, when one is going through treatments, it is important he or she can express what is needed or how he or she is feeling.

Be your own best advocate.

If you can, find a doctor you trust and have a good relationship with. You should feel comfortable when you need to ask questions or are being given information. I truly believe it goes a long way in achieving success.

Always remember, you are not alone. There others who have been through similar situations. And, even your caregivers, who may have not gone through what you will, are capable great empathy for your situation.

January 2006

Editors note: Kevin developed multiple Ewing’s sarcoma bone mets in late 2006. He started taking Temozolomide and intravenous irinotecan, and these drugs stopped disease progression and shrunk some of the tumors for nearly a year. The treatment was administered at Memorial Sloan-Kettering, and it looks like there may be a Phase II trial at some point. In the mean time, some doctors may be able to offer these drugs to patients with progressing Ewing’s sarcoma even without an official trial. More info here. And hugs to Kevin…

Kevin’s Obituary

May 19, 2008

LAKE PLACID — Kevin John Broderick, age 36, died on May 17, 2008 after a nearly four-year battle with Ewing’s sarcoma.

A native of Holyoke, Mass., Kevin lived in Lake Placid for the past nine years, where he worked as a teacher of AP U.S. history and served as an assistant hockey coach and goaltender coach at the National Sports Academy.

A 1995 graduate of the College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, Mass., Kevin was a standout collegiate goaltender and a 1995 ECAC East All-Conference First Team selection as well as the winner of the 1991 Bessone Award given to the best hockey player in western Massachusetts.

His passions in life included teaching, spending time with family and friends, reading, and sports, including World Cup Soccer, golf and the Boston Red Sox.

Kevin embodied the motto, “Love, Compassion and Strength,” and inspired others through his own life, his easygoing and caring way, and his generous nature. Kevin had a gift for bringing people from different backgrounds together in a spirit of unity and cooperation.

Throughout his tenacious battle with cancer he took the time to comfort and support other patients who were suffering, including children, adolescents and adults. He also cheered and strengthened his family, care-givers, doctors and nurses with his tremendously positive spirit.

Kevin leaves behind the love of his life, Andrea St. John, whose love gave him such joy and happiness; his parents, Tom and Elaine Broderick of Deerfield Beach, Fla.; his sister Kelly Moss and her husband Joe of Santa Monica, Calif.; his brothers: Michael and his wife Suzanne of West Merses, England, Thomas and his wife Nicole of Lake Placid, and James of Shrewsbury, Mass.; as well as his nieces and nephews: Jonathan, Jameson and Alena Moss, Megan Broderick and Morgan and Kate Broderick; his aunts, uncles and cousins.

The Broderick family wishes to extend a special thanks to all of those who helped Kevin during his treatment and brought him joy during a difficult time, including but not limited to: his caregivers, the doctors, nurses, staff, patients and the families of Sloan Kettering Memorial Hospital, the students, faculty and staff of the National Sports Academy, his friends and teammates at the College of the Holy Cross, his friends in Holyoke, Mass., Randy and Mindy Levine and the New York Yankees, who treated Kevin with compassion and class even though he remained a loyal and diehard fan of the Boston Red Sox, High Peaks Hospice, and the great and generous people of Lake Placid.

You can read more about Kevin at his website. Tax-deductible donations in Kevin’s honor can be made to the Adirondack Community Trust: Kevin Broderick Fund, 2284 Saranac Ave., Lake Placid, NY 12946.

Kevin will live forever in our hearts and memories, and we look forward to one day seeing him again.