Gavin was born on April 13, 2002 and was a hearty and happy baby -- at 10 months already wearing 2T clothes.
However, on February 27, 2003 Gavin was diagnosed with neuroblastoma. This website has been established to provide a
fast means for family and friends to share news and information about Gavin's condition and treatment.
What is Neuroblastoma?
Neuroblastoma is a solid tumor cancer that begins in the nerve tissue in the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis but usually
originates in the abdomen. Gavin's tumor is in the abdomen and, originally, was approximately 4 inches in diameter.
Part of the tumor has grown around the aorta. Because of this, it was not possible to surgically remove the tumor prior
to chemotherapy.
Status and Treatment
Gavin had surgery on Monday March 3, 2003 to perform a biopsy of the tumor and to implant a tube in his heart.
Blood is drawn, and chemotherapy is administered, through this tube. The "permanent" placement of this tube has
spared Gavin from the thousands of pricks which otherwise would have been necessary over the months of treatment
so far and yet to come.
While Gavin was asleep for these procedures, a sample of bone marrow was taken from his hip. While the biopsy of
the tumor confirmed the diagnosis of neuroblastoma, the bone marrow did not show the presence of any cancer cells. In
fact, all other tests have indicated that the cancer has not spread beyond the tumor. This is wonderful news, and makes
Gavin among the rarest of the rare. There are only about 600 of these cases diagnosed in the Unites States each year,
and in 70% of those cases the cancer has spread beyond the tumor site to other parts of the body.
Gavin began chemotherapy on March 12, 2003 and has completed all of the eight planned rounds of chemotherapy treatment.
Surgery to remove the remaining parts of the tumor was done on October 1, 2003. Gavin spent three weeks in the hospital,
but has recovered and is doing well. Currently (November 2003) no further treatment is planned. There will be
a scan in January 2004. Check the "Latest News" link for any recent updates.
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