Axten Q.
Wisconsin
Birth Date: February 5, 2015
Diagnosis: Wilms Tumor
Theme: Mindcraft & Fortnite
Due Date: September 1, 2022
Axtens's Story
It was an ordinary evening at our house as we were getting ready for bed. I tucked Axten in and gave him the usual tummy tickle. I felt something that surprised me. There was a huge lump on his left side. Initially, I thought he was constipated. When the lump didnt reside, I took him to the clinic for an x-ray. The results were unsettling. Axten had an unknown mass on his left kidney and he needed to have an emergency CT scan.
The next morning, we left home for what would be the last time for the next 2 weeks. Axten struggled through his IV placement and holding still for the CT but we got it done. We waited for what seemed like forever to get his results. Finally, I got the phone call. "You need to go to the East Building and meet with an Oncologist." My heart sank. I knew the East Building was the cancer building and I knew what an oncologist was. I stayed positive and didn't let my fear consume me. I had a 4 year old little boy watching me from the back seat after all.
We arrived at the East Building and made our way to the oncology department. Nothing in the entire world could have prepared me for what I heard next..."Your son has Cancer." Everything went silent. Tears hit the floor at my feet. My first words were, "What are his chances at remission?"
Axten was rushed into surgery the following morning. They removed a 12 cm mass, from his left kidney. He spent 12 days in the hospital and underwent 5 months of chemotherapy. The pain and fear I saw in my son's eyes was enough to break me, but I remained strong for him.
Today Axten is cancer free. He continues to have routine scans and blood work to catch any cancer that may reappear. Although he has a few scars and long term effects from treatment, I thank God he's alive and well! I hope Axten's story not only gives hope to other kids, but also raises awareness for childhood cancer.
