- Erik’s Journey
by Norma Zimmerman
On June 7, 1991 Erik was born. Less than 18 months later (November 17, 1992) we heard the words that no parent should ever have to endure; “Your baby has cancer”.
…and this began a trip down a very long road.
It all started with a surgery to remove most of the tumor in his brain. And, although, we were told that this type of cancer was very treatable in older kids; the odds were against an infant of Erik’s age surviving.
In December of 1992 Erik started chemotherapy and continued until February 1994. It was then that he finished his treatment with radiation applied directly to the brain and spine. Erik is now cured of this dreaded disease. And although, radiation treatment can be a cure for many, Erik is forced to endure many long term effects from his cure causing him to see 12 different specialists at CHOP (Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia) throughout the year.
The most recent issue began around four years ago when Erik suffered from a mini-stroke. It was discovered that the radiation he received 13 years ago had damaged the blood vessels leading to his brain and caused them to narrow and significantly reduce the flow of blood. The blood vessels on the right side of his brain were much more damaged than the left and another surgery was needed.
This is a condition called Moyamoya syndrome and Erik was taken to Dr. Scott in Boston who has developed a surgery to bring blood vessels from the face area up into the brain in an effort to help Erik grow additional blood vessel branches and therefore increase the flow of blood to the brain.
Erik surgery took place in August 14th 2006, and he will continue to be monitored to determine the success of the surgery as well as diagnose if he will need the surgery on the left side of his brain.
In 1997 we were told by Erik’s radiation oncologist that we had received a miracle and any problems that would arise in Erik’s future would be able to be corrected by surgery or other procedure. So far he has been correct.
We as Erik’s parents…
We as Erik’s parents…Know the fear of having a child that you could lose to this dreaded disease.
We as Erik’s parents…Are blessed in his healing.
We as Erik’s parents…Will do anything in our power to provide our son with the most successful future possible.
We as Erik’s parents…Are extremely proud of our son and his courage.
Even though Erik is considered cured; his care involves:
Annual MRI / MRA
Annual Oncologist follow-up (long term)
Annual Otolaryngology (ENT) Hearing tests - Erik needs to wear hearing aides in both ears.
Annual Ophthalmology - Erik has had cataracts removed from both eyes
Annual Dermatology - Erik had two moles removed in July 2005
Annual Cardiology - Base lines
Bi-Annual Endocrinology - 6 month follow-ups for growth hormone injections. Erik stopped taking the growth after 10 years of treatments. The hormones worked wonderfully; with the exception of the spine and the skull. After being radiated the spine and skull will grow, but not at the ‘normal’ rate.
Bi-Annual Gastroenterology - 6 month follow-ups for acid reflux. Radiation treatment has caused irritation to the esophagus.
Annual Orthopedic - Spinal fragility due to radiation
Annual Labs & Bone - X-rays
Thyroid Medication - Radiation has destroyed the pituitary gland
