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

Monday, December 24, 2012 11:25 AM CST

Good Morning,

Great to say another YEAR has gone by and I am about to talk about Jake, the Hero on this website. He is now 19 years old, 12 years post treatment.

He accepted the invitation to attend the University of Minnesota (The U) and he just completed his first semester. He is a Biology Major and hopes to get into the medical field. I have spoken about his "statue" in the past and will do this again, as I know it helps those of you that may find the site when your children are going through the same thing as little kids. He started the semester at around 227lbs (he is just shy of 6'3") and when he came home is is at 203! Lots of walking and not eating as he used to helped him slim down. He looks great. As I write this as usual he is still sleeping, I think he was up playing video games with his friends via internet...

Erin is a Freshman in high school and is on the the gymnastics team. She was just mentioned in the regional newspaper as a "strong newcomer" and is competing varsity as a freshman. She also hopes to run hurdles for her school in the spring. She is doing great too.

Steve has been in his new job for a year and really likes it. I also have a new job, full time business instructor at a technical college in our area and I really love it.

Our family celebrated the following this year:

Jake's high school graduation
Visit's with cousins from all over
Jake attended summer camp at One Step for Kids with Cancer
Family Cruise to Belize, Cozumel and South America
Jake left for college and Erin started high school
Steve turned 50!

Thank you for checking in and please feel free to email me if you have any questions as a newly dx family.

Health, Love and Happiness in the New Year,

The Zajc's

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.