Jette

 

Jette was diagnosed on August 13 with Ewing's Sarcoma, a type of bone cancer.

 

Below, his mom Nicole talks about Jette's diagnosis, and the care the family has received at Phoenix Children's:

 

What type of symptoms did Jette have?

He had been complaining of chest pain, but I thought maybe it was his muscles or that he was playing too hard. He's not very cuddly, so after he falls asleep I go in and give him hugs and kisses. One night he was falling off his bed, and when I went to put him back on the bed I felt a lump on his chest. I took him to the doctor and they did x-rays. That same day the doctor called me back and asked if I was driving. I told her I was, and she said I'd better pull over. They had found something else by his breast bone and heart.

 

Were you sent to Phoenix Children's?

He got admitted to Phoenix Children's later that night. The next two days were full of tests. He went in for a CT. It was only a dime-sized lump that came out of his fourth rib and into the outer layer of his heart. A biopsy showed it was Ewing's Sarcoma.

 

How did Jette cope with it all?

He knew it was a tumor that needed to come out. But he couldn't feel anything, so he didn't quite understand. I showed him the CT and he was still like, "okay."

 

What is his treatment right now?

He's on chemotherapy. We're not sure what the future will hold. We're just trying to get the tumor out with the chemotherapy.

 

How have you and your husband handled it?

Shock. There's been a lot of shock. My sister-in-law used to work with cancer patients and her advice was to be positive around him. Instead of telling him something will make him sick, we tell him it will help him. We try to stay positive for him so he doesn't get down about it.

 

How have his siblings reacted to it?

Our little one doesn't understand. His older brother is taking it in stride. He's been a big help … helps out with his little sister.

 

What has been your experience at Phoenix Children's?

It's such a great hospital. If it wasn't for them and the positive attitude they have, we wouldn't have taken it so well. They're always asking how they can help and if we just need to talk. They're so hands-on and caring, and really there for you. They're not just here for the patients, they are here for the family also.