Team Belle-Isle

original cancer. After receiving an “all clear” from an X-ray, the doctors believed it was possibly nerve related caused from his old tumor and subsequent complications of the radiation damage caused to his ribs. He was eventually referred to a pain management clinic after having a CT scan and evaluated by a neurologist. But in February a new lump had emerged from his right side and the pain was increasing even though he was taking pain management medication. So an ultrasound was ordered which led to another CT scan that resulted in a biopsy. The results revealed another large and rapidly growing tumor emanating from his right chest cavity and growing through the intercostal space between his ribs and protruding out under the skin. He is being treated by one of the best pediatric centers in the country at Boston Children’s Hospital and Dana Farber’s Jimmy Fund Clinic and has started another 9 month similar chemotherapy treatment. In the middle of his treatment he will undergo a significant surgery to remove the tumor, several ribs and possibly a partial or total lung removal. Prior Cancer

In October 2012, Jon had complained of a knot in his back and would ask us to rub it. Nothing major just a little pulled muscle. He was playing basketball and being a normal kid. A couple of weeks later the nag wasn't going away so we thought he had pulled a muscle in his back which we all know takes time to heal. After about six weeks he started to complain more often and was up at night so we gave him some Motrin. It was now Christmas break and the flu season was in full swing. It was not surprising that Jon had a fever, but something was a bit different about this one. A visit to his pediatrician indicated all was normal and lungs were clear. A second opinion at Doctor's Express backed that up, but an x-ray was completed for peace of mind. That is how we learned what we could never have feared because it was so unimaginable. Silently growing in Jon's chest cavity for none to hear was a very large tumor. His right lung was partially collapsed and what space was left was filled with fluid. Jon was admitted to Baystate Medical Center that day on Friday, January 4, 2013. A biopsy a few days later confirmed the tumor was malignant and 2 liters of fluid was drained from his chest cavity. A rare pediatric cancer that effects only 2-3% of childhood cancers about 250 cases a year in the U.S. .............And so our journey begins.