Sammy's Fight Against Cancer
Donation protected
Jesus replied: “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.
When it comes to loving your neighbor we could all take lessons from Nathan and Julie Behn. Two of the most charitable and giving people I know are now in the misdt of a trial no parent ever wants to face. Now it's our turn as a community to return the favor to them! Please take a minute and read Sammy's story.
Our little Sammy is 4 years old, on December 29, 2020 he was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. A few weeks prior we noticed a lump in his cheek that was hard and poked into his neck. Out initial visit with our pediatrician revealed that there was something else under his jaw as well. The next day Sammy had an ultrasound of the area and a CT scan at our local hospital. The findings were sent to Primary Children's hospital in Salk Lake City, where about a week later they conducted an MRI and a biopsy of the mass. The MRI revealed that it was one solid mass that stretched and formed a comma shape- stretching from the inside of his cheek, pushing his left tonsil into his airway and ending under his jaw. We waited for biopsy results through Christmas, on the 29th we were informed it was cancer.
Our oncologist called us in for an appointment to go over our treatment and to answer all of our questions, he was amazing- we left that appointment feeling a lot more hopeful. A few days later he called and told us that it was fusion negative- which he said is easier to treat. We still have a few more tests to complete before we know everything- the oncologist wants to make sure nothing has spread any where else. Because Rhabdomyosarcoma is a soft tissue cancer, it likes to take the path of least resistance, when it spreads. Tomorrow morning Sammy will go under anesthesia, again this time for a PET scan to determine if there are any other masses. Then Thursday he will have a bone marrow tissue sample done, and then fluid will be taken from his spine. While he is under on Thursday, they also will install the "port" where his chemotherapy will be administered. We are anticipating him getting his first dose of Chemotherapy later on that day, this first dose will be administered continuously over 24 hours.
We will be updating this blog to keep everyone informed. It warms our hearts and gives us hope that so many people love and care for Sammy. Unfortunately sometimes relaying this information dozens of times can become overwhelming for us emotionally. This blog seems to be a great resource for keeping everyone updated on Sammy's fight. We appreciate everybody's concerns, help and prayers. We love you and will keep posting information throughout Sammy's journey. https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/samtheham
I'd like to thank everyone in advance for the donations and sharing of this post. We live in an amazing community, now let's rally around this amazing family!
When it comes to loving your neighbor we could all take lessons from Nathan and Julie Behn. Two of the most charitable and giving people I know are now in the misdt of a trial no parent ever wants to face. Now it's our turn as a community to return the favor to them! Please take a minute and read Sammy's story.
Our little Sammy is 4 years old, on December 29, 2020 he was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma. A few weeks prior we noticed a lump in his cheek that was hard and poked into his neck. Out initial visit with our pediatrician revealed that there was something else under his jaw as well. The next day Sammy had an ultrasound of the area and a CT scan at our local hospital. The findings were sent to Primary Children's hospital in Salk Lake City, where about a week later they conducted an MRI and a biopsy of the mass. The MRI revealed that it was one solid mass that stretched and formed a comma shape- stretching from the inside of his cheek, pushing his left tonsil into his airway and ending under his jaw. We waited for biopsy results through Christmas, on the 29th we were informed it was cancer.
Our oncologist called us in for an appointment to go over our treatment and to answer all of our questions, he was amazing- we left that appointment feeling a lot more hopeful. A few days later he called and told us that it was fusion negative- which he said is easier to treat. We still have a few more tests to complete before we know everything- the oncologist wants to make sure nothing has spread any where else. Because Rhabdomyosarcoma is a soft tissue cancer, it likes to take the path of least resistance, when it spreads. Tomorrow morning Sammy will go under anesthesia, again this time for a PET scan to determine if there are any other masses. Then Thursday he will have a bone marrow tissue sample done, and then fluid will be taken from his spine. While he is under on Thursday, they also will install the "port" where his chemotherapy will be administered. We are anticipating him getting his first dose of Chemotherapy later on that day, this first dose will be administered continuously over 24 hours.
We will be updating this blog to keep everyone informed. It warms our hearts and gives us hope that so many people love and care for Sammy. Unfortunately sometimes relaying this information dozens of times can become overwhelming for us emotionally. This blog seems to be a great resource for keeping everyone updated on Sammy's fight. We appreciate everybody's concerns, help and prayers. We love you and will keep posting information throughout Sammy's journey. https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/samtheham
I'd like to thank everyone in advance for the donations and sharing of this post. We live in an amazing community, now let's rally around this amazing family!
Organizer and beneficiary
Chris Polito
Organizer
Price, UT
Julie Maxwell-Behn
Beneficiary
