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Patient of the Month - November 2010


November 2010 Patient of the Month

Clinton
5 years old

 

Diagnosis:

Clinton was found to suffer from medulloblastoma in November 2009.

 

Clinton's Story:

In June 2009, Clinton began having headaches and nausea, but it wasn't until November that doctors discovered the shocking cause of his illness. Little Clinton suffered from medulloblastoma, the most common type of brain tumor in children. Clinton's parents were told the tumor, located in his brain's fourth ventricle, was the size of an acorn. They were devastated, and even Clinton realized something was terribly wrong.

"When he would throw up, he would look at me with these little sad eyes and say, 'This is not good. This is not good,'" said Clinton's mom.

Clinton underwent surgery to remove the tumor, and his parents began searching for the best place for his continuing care. They looked into St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and were impressed by the hospital's promising research. The family soon obtained a referral.

At St. Jude:

Clinton received 31 radiation treatments and four rounds of high-dose chemotherapy. His treatment was sometimes tough, but Clinton's doctors and nurses helped him through the difficult moments.

Clinton and his family love St. Jude and the personalized care they received during his treatment. Clinton's mom said the St. Jude staff kept her informed. They also listened to what she had to say. "I'm part of the team," she said. "When I have questions or things to tell them, I'm not a troublesome mother, a problem mom, and that's very, very important."

Clinton finished treatment in summer 2010 and was able to return home. He is a bright boy who loves fishing and making up jokes. Unfortunately, recent follow-up tests revealed that Clinton’s cancer has returned. But Clinton and his family have vowed to continue to fight on despite this setback.

 

November 2010


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