at the age of 13, Tristin, carefree, healthy-looking football game and viola-loving teenager world changed when cancer was diagnosed as stage four neuroblastoma. Even doctors are reluctant to make the dreaded diagnosis until all test results were received for this particular form of cancer usually attacks young children and teens is extremely rare.
Six months earlier the diagnosis, Tristin went to the ER abdominal pain, and he was told appendicitis, a reasonable assumption, since the symptoms and age, so the CT is not intended to determine if there could not be another cause of the pain. The appendix has to be removed immediately, but there are still problems. Finally, the tumor in the back of her belly was large enough to be felt by physical examination and was diagnosed with a crowd. He then sent the tests to validate the crowd size, structure, location, or malware. The news was shocking and devastating to the family and friends.
forms of neuroblastoma runs neurons of the spinal column, in which a cell goes crazy, reproduce and grow a large tumor. The tumor Tristin is not paved, but still threaded through small openings in itself, extends from the other side and wrapping around the organs, including the heart of the aorta. Long-term intravenous catheter device surgically implanted under the skin of the chest called portacath frequent lab provided the draw and milling chemotherapy treatments. In the first round of chemotherapy required a one-week hospital stay.
during hospital stays, Tristin's family discovered a way to make things a little easier for themselves. Some tips offered:
* Obtain a folding wheeled metal dolly transport of luggage and belongings in the car to the room. This makes it much easier in and out.
* Purchase several large plastic containers to keep your personal items, food and drinks.
* Bring your favorite items, pillows and blankets or quilts make the room look and feel more like home.
* Bring a small TV / DVD player, movies, laptop computer, music and / or games
* diary. CaringBridge.org is a wonderful place to meet other people and keep friends and family updated.
Tristin received the support of the community and friends was overwhelming and greatly appreciated. Organizations like Emily Power is a Cure brought snacks and hot meals to the family, which has helped tremendously costs. School friends visited or texted and continue to support, after she went home, even if you have lost your hair, and entered the world chemotherapy baldies.
After chemotherapy treatments, Tristin often experience nausea and vomiting. Then his blood counts drop, until the low point of causing neutropenia, in a state where the immune system is compromised, leading to lethargy, weakness and loss of appetite. At this point, I do not feel like climbing the stairs, talking to friends, or having visitors. The baby monitor is extremely handy such times. Video baby monitors are useful for monitoring a sick child in the next room easing the minds of parents and monitor the intercom feature brings communication between parent and child of a button.
At the time of writing, Tristin is still struggling with the disease. It went through an extensive grueling 12-hour surgery to remove the tumor Sloan Kettering Hospital in NYC. During the surgery, there was a pea-sized areas of neuroblastoma, a liver and a few spots on the bones. The good news is that the bone marrow remains clear. He is currently traveling back and forth to NYC treatments, and the last tests showed some improvement. His attitude is amazing and he is an inspiration for all those who know him. If you follow the history Tristin CaringBridge.org go and visit Tristin Greer.