We found out that Connor has been diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer called Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. He has been having nose bleeds and sinus issues since the fall and has been treated with antibiotics and steroids each time. When he got home from Penn State, we made an appointment with our ENT Dr. Howard Hammer, who after scoping his nose put him on steroids with the hope that what he saw was polyps. He told us if they don't shrink it could likely be a mass. Our follow up visit on Monday 5/21, showed that they didn't shrink and in fact looked as if the mass had shifted. He took a biopsy in the office and on Friday informed us that Connor had Embryonal Rhabdomyosarcoma. This type is the better of the two possibilities and has a higher cure rate. We had two great appointments at UPenn on Wednesday with a head and neck surgeon, Dr. Jason Newman and a medical oncologist, Dr. Lee Hartner that Dr. Hammer recommended and expedited getting us in to see. We received the best news we could have hoped for that the cancer has not metastasized to the chest, abdomen or pelvic area. We are currently trying to get an appointment with a specialist at CHOP, Dr. Richard Womer who was also recommended to us by two unrelated sources, Dr. Gary Freedman and Dr. Andy Kolb. This particular type of cancer is most common in younger children under the age of 10, but also appears in 18-35 year olds. We are told treatment will be aggressive with chemotherapy and most likely radiation. We are uncertain whether or not he will have surgery because of the location of the tumor. Needless to say we were completely devastated by the news, but are encouraged, hopeful and have unshakable faith that he will get through this. We are so grateful for the love, thoughts and prayers we have received from you ! xoxo
