Our Hero, Our Son Jake

This website was created to keep all the concerned family and friends of Jake Z. informed of his progress. On February 6, 2001, Jake was diaognosed with a soft tissue cancer called Embroynal Rhabdomyosarcoma. It is highly malignant, and can spread very quickly. The very small tumor (about 1 cm) was found during his annual checkup, at the back of his mouth in the soft palate, which is extremely rare. Jake has had two surgeries and has been the bravest kid in the world! He went through chemotherapy for 46 weeks, ending in January 02, 2002.

Jake's first surgery was on January 30, 2001. The first biopsy was normal, and we went home with him to recover. The next day we received a call from our Doctor telling us that the pathologist looking at the tissue sample was concerned. The tissue was sent to Mayo Clinic and it took an entire week and 5 different Drs. to finally arrive at this dx. The next day we started testing for any spread of the disease (none at this point, but we will continue to test this for the next 4 years every 3 months) and scheduled a second surgery, which took place on February 14, 2001. The second tissue sample was originally thought to have residual cancer cells, which meant radiation as well as chemotherapy. But we persisted and had the tissue examined by one of the leading pathologist in this cancer research in the world - we found out on March 12, 2001, that there is no residual cancer in the second tissue sample, so chemotherapy was our main focus now.

He had a low risk chemo treatment, that is done weekly,which started on February 21, 2001, on an outpatient basis. It took only a few minutes and it is administred through a port, which was surgically implanted in Jake's side, at the bottom of his rib cage. Everything is under his skin, so it makes it much easier for him.

Please use this website to keep up on Jake's progress and to send him messages of encouragement. Use the links we have listed to help answer your questions on this cancer. Keep your prayers coming, and thanks for caring!

Lisa, Steve, Jake and Erin

Journal

Wednesday, December 24, 2008 11:20 AM CST

Wow,

Another year has passed, and it feels SO great to say that with such ease! It was not too long ago that we lived day to day, hour to hour, based on Jake's illness and treatment.

He is a freshman, yes a freshman, and he makes Steve and I shake our heads and laugh all the time with his antics and his interesting ways of viewing life. Most people don't even recognize him anymore, 5'11" 192 lbs., certainly not the little boy at 72lbs. who's picture appears first in the photo gallery on this webpage. He just turned 15, coming up on 8 years post dx and 7 years post treatment.

His sister continues to perform her gymnastics, both at and away from the actual gym! She is now 11 years old.

As I type this at 11:25 am, the world in WI is covered with a beautiful blanket of snow, and Jake just rolled out of bed! Typical teenager - Many of you know how thankful Steve and I feel to be able to say this.

Please enjoy your family and take in the simple pleasures that the holiday season brings.

Love, cheers, and health,

Steve, Lisa, Jake and Erin (Leia too)

Hospital Information:

Children's Hospital of Wisconsin

Milwaukee, WI

Links:

E-mail Author: lzajc1@wi.rr.com

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Note: The foregoing information was authored by the patient, parent or guardian, or other parties who are solely responsible for the content. Such announcements or their content are not necessarily endorsed by CaringBridge, Inc. or any sponsoring agent.  This information does not confirm that anyone is or was actually a patient at any facility.