WELCOME TO FITO'S SITE 
WELCOME TO FITO'S SITE
This is our beloved son, Adrian Daniel "Fito"
Sep 7, 2003 - Apr 24, 2005
OUR STORY
Our son Adrian, whom we like to call Fito, was born on Sept. 7, 2003. He has always been healthy, active, and joy to all those who know him. He as a sister who is 12 years older than him named Elena.
Our story began on July 17, 2004, when he had blood in his urine. He was admitted later that day to begin a series of tests. An ultrasound showed a mass on his R kidney. The next day, he had CT scans of his chest, abdomen, and pelvis to look for other masses. The only mass that showed was the one on his kidney. The next day he underwent removal of the R kidney with the mass. It took 3 pathologists from different states to confirm that the diagnosis was Rhabdoid Tumor of the Kidney. A MRI of his brain and a bone scan were also done, both negative, there fore, his cancer was Stage I.
He then started the chemo protocol for RTK which is a very aggressive, for this is one of the rarest and most aggressive types of kidney cancer. He was to have a total of six courses, each course consist of 2 cycles. Cycle 1 consists of Vincristine, Doxorubicin, and Cytoxan. Cycle 2 consists of Cisplatin, Ifosfamide and Etoposide. Cyle 2 requires a 5 day hospitalization. These 2 cycles were alternating, to total a period of about 36 weeks. He did very well. He was never bothered by any of these, very little nausea and vomiting, and his bone marrow was also very strong. He became the famous little boy who runs around the hospital halls with his parents chasing after him with the I.V. pole. He only required 2 blood transfusions during that period of time. He had a couple of infections due to his Broviac catheter, but otherwise was still healthy and active as a growing toddler. His scans after the 2nd and 4th courses were negative. So we were always thankful and optimistic.
On March 20, 2005, he started to have fevers. Blood culture after blood cultures were neg. We were in and out of the hospital as well as the ER for several days due to his mysterious fevers. On March 31st, he was to be admitted for his LAST cycle of chemo. That morning, he was seen in the clinic and again we said that he had a fever the night before. We also mentioned that his belly looked a little distended. Finally, it was decided that the only thing that the doctors could think of that was causing his fever was his Broviac cathether. He got another dose of antibiotics and scheduled for line removal that afternoon. We went home after the procedure but returned that night to be admitted because his temperature was up again. He received more antibiotics. The next day, we continued to push the issue of his distended abdomen. An ultrasound was performed that showed fluid in his peritoneal cavity, also called ascites. A CT scan was planned for later that day to evaluate his abdomen further. He was given general anesthesia to perform the CT scan, aspiration of fluid, and to insert a PICC line. A very good friend and co-worker radiologist stayed late that evening to help with the procedures. The CT was done first, and we were told immediately that there are now multiple tumors found in his liver, intraperitoneum and a large tumor is now sitting at the area where his right kidney used to be. My initial reaction was a great disbelief. How could this be? Two months ago all his scans were clear. When did all these tumors start to grow? Of course I was crying throughout this time and at the same time had all these questions on my head. What went wrong, what should we have done differently, and what now? Adrian’s dad was very quiet during this period. We barely exchanged words.
After those procedures, Adrian was brought to the recovery room before he returned to his room. Later that evening, his oncologist came by and gave us the worst news we could have received. He told us that his cancer has spread to the point that there’s not much that can be done as far as treatment for cure is concerned. His doctor also added that Adrian can possibly receive more chemo to slow the growth of the tumors, and that would “buy some time.” He also mentioned clinical trials but not sure if there is an ongoing at the moment, and would he even qualify? Stem cell rescue was just out of the question. My response to this was that I want my baby as comfortable as possible.
The next day, his doctor came early for rounds. We managed to keep our composure and keep Adrian’s hospital routines as normal as possible. He continued to play games in the computer, which he loved. Otherwise, the mood was very solemn. The nurses were pretty quiet but did expressed how sorry they are about the news. They also commended our courage and strength. That afternoon, a CT of his chest was done to evaluate any metastases to the lungs. For the first time, I didn’t bother to ask for the preliminary results because I just couldn’t bear more bad news. We were able to go home later that day. That was Saturday.
Adrian was happy to be home as always. Our poor baby was all that I can think of. Does he know what’s going on? He has gone through so much already and now he’s about to go through something I can’t even imagine. As a nurse myself, I have all these horrible pictures in my head as to what’s ahead of him. I guess that makes it even worse for me when I pretty much have an idea of what to expect. Despite all these, I vowed to make the days ahead as happy and as comfortable as they can be for our son.
We went to church Sunday evening and asked the priest to give Adrian a blessing. Adrian must not have been feeling well. He was somewhat subdued. Normally, we couldn’t keep him in one spot for one minute. This time, he just wanted to be carried. He even fell asleep. At the end of the mass, we spoke to our priest and told him what’s going on. He told us that he’ll keep him with his prayers always.
Our follow up appointment with the oncologist was to be on Wednesday, April 6th. Adrian continued to have fevers on and off, and that was to be expected as a result from all those tumors. We gave him Tylenol and Motrin as needed and some pain medication when he looked or acted like he has uncomfortable. He wasn’t able to verbalize anything, but his actions were enough for us to understand his needs and wants. From Saturday to Wednesday seemed an eternity. But during that time, I was busy putting friends here and from NY to work and do some investigating for me. Here, our radiologist friend was busy putting together a portfolio of Adrian which included all his imaging pictures and results, medical history, lab results, etc… He was also making a lot of phone calls to his former colleagues who can refer us to the right people. Out in NY, my very dear friend who is also a nurse was making contacts to head pediatric oncologists of different hospitals to tell them about our situation and see if they have anything different to offer. I was able to get an appointment with another oncologist here in Phoenix for a second opinion for that Friday.
See Pic Gallery