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 12, 2007 9:42 AM CST

Wow, it has been an entire year since our last entry. New pictures are posted too. Jake continues to become a very strong, large young man - 165 lbs at age 14! We feel so blessed to be able to continue to update this website with great news.

His sister Erin just took 12th place in state for gymnastics and we are very proud of her too.

Jake's interests are still soccer, volleyball, watching all sports and of course video games. He is even discovering girls, it is a slow process but that is ok by us!

Thanks for checking in and please have a safe and healthy holiday season!

Love The Zajc's,

Steve, Lisa, Jake, Erin and Leia (our adopted yellow lab)

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.