Monday, November 24, 2008

they now know what I have

Desmoplastic small round cell tumor

What is it? Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, highly aggressive tumor. This cancer almost always arises in the abdomen, but other primary sites have been described. This form of cancer spreads locally to lymph nodes and lining of the abdomen. It can also spread to the lungs, liver and bones. This cancer is more common in males and usually affects adolescents and young adults. The tumor has a characteristic genetic finding called a translocation. A portion of chromosome 11 is translocated to a portion of chromosome 22. Identifying this translocation is useful in confirming the diagnosis.

What are the symptoms? Symptoms depend on the primary site of disease and the extent of disease at diagnosis. Patients with abdominal primaries often present with an enlarged abdomen and abdominal pain. They may also present with vomiting and weight loss.

How is it treated? Desmoplastic small round cell tumors are often treated with aggressive chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. It is important to surgically resect (remove) all sites of disease in order to eradicate the cancer. Unfortunately, this is often not possible. Using chemotherapy to shrink the disease prior to attempted resection is a reasonable approach. Some patients with DSRCT may benefit from more intensive therapy with autologous peripheral blood transplants, especially if they respond well to more standard therapy regimens.

What is the outcome? The overall prognosis for patients with DSRCTs is poor with less than 20% of patients expected to live more than 5 years after diagnosis. However, it depends largely on the ability to surgically remove all tumors.

10 comments:

Chris said...

O holy Father, heavenly Physician of our souls and bodies, who hast sent thine Only-begotten Son our Lord Jesus Christ to heal all our ailments and deliver us from death: do thou visit and heal thy servant Sky, granting him release from pain and restoration to health and vigor, that he may give thanks unto thee and bless thy holy Name, of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit: now and ever, and unto ages of ages. Amen.

c. said...

Any and all words escape me at the moment... All I have are thoughts of hope and happiness. All I can say is STAY STRONG!!! I know it seems hard to "see the forest through the trees", but remember that you still have a lifetime ahead of you. You have a lotta heart! Keep at it! LIVE-LOVE-LAUGH!!! I don't do it often....but I'll be praying for you.

Unknown said...

I'm so excited for this turn of events!
We love you!!
xoxo

Lara said...

I am excited that this gives you a better prognosis then before, basically doubling your years. I hope that the chemo helps more and that they will be able to do surgery. I know you are in for the long hall and we will be here for you through it. Anything we can do you let us know. We are always thinking of you. Keep up the good fight. We love you!

Nicole said...

Hi Sky,

You have a beautiful soul and I think everyone can see that about you. Zion is so cute and maybe Neff and I will have one that cute one day. We can only wish and hope. lol! Just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking about you and hoping the day brings you rest and comfort. I admire your strength and courage. Bowling and hanging out with you is so much fun. You make me laugh so hard with all the crazy conversations that we have; from politics to hoes. lol! Always keep in mind that you have the support of your family and friends during this time and always but I bet you already knew that huh? So they now know what it is and I hope that gives you some comfort. Fight the good fight! Let me know if there is anything else I can do along with making donations. ok? I'm keeping you in my prayers and in my thoughts. Sincerely, Nicole ps thank you for taking me in and accepting me I really feel apart of the fam already lol

~JECCA~ said...

Hey Skyler! I hope that you are feeling better. I guess finding out what it is, is better than not knowing. Just keep fighting and keep your head up! You are so strong and I know that you can beat this. I love and miss you so much. I hope that you have a wonderfull Thanksgiving. You are always in my prayers!
MUCH LOVE~
~JECCA~

dabeave said...

Knowledge is power!!!!! Name it, claim it, own it, then KICK IT'S ASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Prayers continue from here, not just from me, but my large circle of like minded folk. Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving, Sky, there is always much to be thankful for. I hold you close.

Love from,

MaDukes

tomjxn said...

Hi Sky
I hope you had a great thanksgiving!! I wondered what type of cancer you had,and the article was right on. I always hope you are feeling great(always do)and I hope you can kick this cancers ass. I love ya Ski,Tom

Chris said...

I'm so thankful the doctors have finally pinpointed the type of cancer. Now they know what they're fighting against. Don't give up. That fat lady hasn't sung yet! Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with family and friends!

neffro said...

Bowling was off the hook bro, Zion was killin with the shot put bowl that was dope dawwwwwwg N E ways ill come out again soon love u dawg P S just keep doin what your doin boss NEFFRO