Domenico Big D Nanci

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January 7th is a day that I’ll never forget. It was the day that I found out that I had cancer and it was the day that proved that your life could change in the matter of seconds. It was also the day I never dreamed would happen to me or anybody that I loved. The only thing that kept running through my mind next to "why me" was "how could after everything I’ve been through be put through the one thing I wouldn't wish on anybody?” As a human in general not just a kid, you get to thinking about life when something like this happens to you. Yeah I’ve had a surgery to get my tonsils removed, 12 hand surgeries, one to get the tumors removed, soon to be 2 to get the chemo port put in and taken out, and cancer on top of those but I haven't let it get to my head in the way where I’m going to look for pity or tell people and act like I’ve had the hardest life. Yeah I’ll admit I've had a hard life but there are so many other people who've had harder lives. Not to long ago I was talking to one of my best friends Sami Lovegrove and I told her that honestly I would love to be put through this instead of anybody else in the world because I would not and could not ever wish this on anybody. Unfortunately I cant take it from anybody, which I learned the weekend I had the tumors taken out while I had to sit and watch a baby in the room next to me die because he had cancer, and didn’t even get the chance to live a life. That was killing me on the inside quicker than any cancer could. I saw him and would've done anything in my power to take it from him, but unfortunately I couldn't. But while all of the cancer and chemo was going on with me I found out who really cared about me and who didn't, who would stay with me through the tough times and easy times and who wouldn't and I was seriously surprised with what I saw. But like my cousin Chris told me at least I found it out now and not later on in life when I needed them more. I am extremely grateful to have had everybody here for me that has been here for me to help my and my family get through this and help keep my mind off of what I’m getting put through and I honestly can't thank any of you enough, but I will say from the very bottom of my heart.... Thank You!, I couldn't ask for better friends and family.





On January 7th. 2009 Domenico's life changed. Our families' life changed in just a matter of time. On this day he went from Dr. office to ER to being admitted all in one morning. They found Domenico had 2 tumors that needed to be removed immediately. So a parent's worst nightmare begins. You hear the C word (CANCER). First you're in shock and then this bad dream starts over again and again each day - not just for us, the parents, but our child as well. Although D is a teenager, his emotions ride a constant rollercoaster, having to deal with this has been difficult. Since this journey began, he has been through more tests, x-rays and scans than you can imagine. Nick and I made 17 trips back and forth to the hospital in just five days. You would be surprised what you can endure for your child even though you're exhausted from no sleep. We have learned that our son is the bravest, toughest and most courageous person we know. The many surgeries he has had prior to this were difficult and painful but nothing in comparison to this. He had the tumors removed the day after we learned he had them. Then we learned what a Germ Cell tumor was as well as staging, markers and the word malignant. Fortunately for us, Dr. Porter was on-call that week. She is the most caring, compassionate physician we know. (Every member on her team and office is too.) Just over 2 weeks later D had a port placed in his chest for the chemo. Not easy to see if you have a weak stomach. Chemo started less than 3 weeks after this all began. He always goes in on Monday night, they access the port for the fluids and around 9:00, Tuesday they begin the chemo on and off until Thursday afternoon, then begin fluids again and finally we go home at some point on Friday. Honestly we didn't know what to expect and the first round wasn't as bad as we thought it would be, but Nick and I didn't have to go through it. Domenico started to lose his hair before his second round of chemo and that was difficult for him - so dad shaved his head too. WOW do they ever look alike. Thank you so very much to all our FAMILY, RELATIVES and FRIENDS who visited and stayed with D at the hospital and home. Thank you for the many cards, calls, food, gifts, support, and most importantly your prayers. We are blessed to have you all. We can never thank you enough. A very special thanks to D's friends Cristina, Joe, Joey, Sean, Mike, Bobby, Peter Sam and Sami for the many visits and text messages.