Cameron Fairbanks, Giant Cell Tumors

On October 20, 2020 Cameron went for surgery at Sanford hospital in Bemidji Minnesota, where he was supposed to have a ganglion cyst and bone spur removed from his left foot. After surgery the surgeon spoke with Stephanie and Joe Fairbanks from Cass Lake, both parents of Cameron, stating that it indeed was not a cyst and it was what he had thought was a Pigmented vilonodular tenosynovitis, which is also known as a giant cell tumor, the diffused type. After pathology report came back the following Monday it was said to be just that. This type of tumor is very rare and even more rare in a 13-year-old boy. The surgeon had to remove all of the muscle from Cameron’s big toe to underneath the arch of his foot, damaging nerves and his tendon sheath. This type of tumor is known to damage muscle, bone, and tendon sheath. The surgeon said he will need more surgeries to have a plate permanently put in so that he would be able to walk again. The surgeon also thought it would be best to refer a Cameron to the oncology/hematology department at Sanford. That Friday Cameron and his parents met with the oncologist, at Sanford in Bemidji. The oncologist wanted to start radiation on Cameron‘s foot, but because of his age he was worried it would stunt his growth. The oncologist also mentioned another medication that could be tried on the tumors, but it has only been tested in adults. This medication is known to cause hair to turn white permanently and patches on the skin permanently as well. At this time they had also learned that there were three other tumors in Cameron‘s left foot that will need to be removed and treated. The oncologist at Sanford referred Cameron to the mayo hospital in Rochester, Minnesota for further evaluation, surgeries, and treatment. At this time the tumor that was removed is gone, but is known for turning malignant very quickly. Even with the tumor being there, he will need radiation amongst other treatment in order to kill all of the cells left behind from this tumor in its rare form, amongst the other three tumors that were left behind. Cameron has an upcoming appointment at the mayo hospital in Rochester on November 16, 2020, to meet with oncology/hematology specialist of 30 years, and the orthopedic surgeon department. His left knee is affected but unsure at this time if he will need treatment in that area also. Cameron’s parents have been told to plan on staying longer than just that day, and there will be many other appointments to the Mayo for surgery and treatment. Cameron has a long road ahead of him in order to walk again, and be free of these tumors. To relieve financial stress on Stephanie and Joe, I am asking that you please donate anything at this time. They will have long and several hotel stays, gas, food expenses and bills on top of everything else that still need to be covered.