Cancer for Christmas?!

Pax is a sweet, energetic, loving little boy who was diagnosed with stage 3 Neuroblastoma on Christmas Eve 2013. Soon after, he received four rounds of chemotherapy, but unfortunately his tumor did not respond to treatment. Little Pax’s only option was to have a risky procedure and resection of the tumor.

The tumor was wrapped around Pax’s aorta and many other arteries and veins that flowed to major organs. If he didn’t have the resection, doctors estimated that he’d only live for one more year. The surgery was considerable and dangerous, with only a 50% chance of survival. It was a lengthy, 16-hour procedure, but surgeons were able to remove 100% of his tumor. His aorta was torn and he lost all of his own blood, but doctors were prepared and able to stay ahead of it with several transfusions. Pax had a 2cm clot develop from his torn aorta and he lost his left kidney during surgery. His legs turned blue and everyone was afraid he may lose them. But he was started on heparin and a few other medications that aided in his recovery.

After a few weeks in the ICU and oncology floor, Pax was able to return home. He had two additional rounds of chemotherapy, but today he has No Evidence of Disease (NED) and gets monthly checkups and routine scans. His chance of relapse is only 5-10%!

Pax also has a twin brother named Pace. Seeing his brother’s illness and was so very difficult, but now the boys are enjoying life at home, so thankful to have each other!

For the boys’ 4th birthday, Christina Jones of Bella Luna Cakes & Confections in Baltimore, OH made a Paw Patrol cake that brought big smiles! Pax’s family shares that “It was a wonderful experience! Thank you Icing Smiles for making my boys have a great birthday! We really appreciate it! The boys loved their cake!”

“Sometimes, real superheroes live in the hearts of small children fighting big battles.” – Anonymous

You can follow Pax’s story on Facebook.