Victor's Journey through Ewing Sarcoma

On Monday, August 22, 2022, Victor Jannette(16) a sophomore at Dassel - Cokato High School had been experiencing back pain for months. What was originally thought to be normal growing pains for a teenage boy ended up becoming our family’s worst nightmare.

Victor went in for an MRI to get to the bottom of his back pain and other symptoms at Maple Grove Hospital and discovered he had an abnormal mass on his spine. Further scans were ordered with contrast, revealing a tumor on his spine compressing his spinal cord. Victor’s parents rushed him to M Health Fairview Masonic Children’s Hospital, where he would receive further tests, scans, and blood work. A biopsy of the mass was taken, and he was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma: Cancer that most often occurs in and around the bones. This typically occurs in children and young adults. Often begins in the legs, bones of the pelvis, and arms. Bone pain, localized swelling, and tenderness are symptoms. In rare cases, bone fractures may be found.

The tumor had fractured the T6 vertebrae in his spine given how aggressive Victor's tumor was and the numbness in his legs due to spinal cord compression. The treatment plan changed periodically. It was suggested the tumor be removed right away then after consulting with neurosurgeons the plan changed to perform surgery after 6 rounds of chemotherapy. Victor lived in the hospital for 4 weeks after his diagnosis because of the spinal precautions. He had a full TLSO brace that he had to wear 24/7.

His Spinal surgery for the full tumor resection took place on December 10th, 2022. During surgery they placed 8 screws, 2 rods, a cage with bone packed around it and removed part of his 5th rib. Along with his surgery, his treatment plan consisted of 14 rounds of chemotherapy and 6 weeks of radiation. Which he completed on May 14th, 2023. As treatments went on the further behind schedule Victor would become. With constant fevers, low hemoglobin, and neutropenia. He suffered extreme complications from the radiation and has needed multiple endoscopies. Victor has been unable to eat or drink and has been on TPN (IV nutrition) since March 1st, 2023. He will still be needing endoscopies and is scheduled to have a G-Tube procedure. Due to recent illnesses, he has not yet been able to have his most recent MRI and PET scan. However, in the next few weeks those scans should be able to be done and if they are clear he will be able to have his PICC line removed.

This has not only been life-altering for Victor but for his entire family, which consists of Victor's mom Robin and stepdad, Mateo, dad Nick(who lives in Dassel), brother Dominic (20), sister Jade (22), brother Xavier (9), and sister Maze (18 months). Victor also has many family pets. Most recently Victor got “Poe” short for Napoleon, a purebred golden retriever, to be his cancer companion. Things Victor has missed the most since his cancer diagnosis include his hair, school, and friends.

Money raised will be to provide financial support for his parents with gas to travel back and forth to the hospital, food for Victor and us, wage loss, noninsured medical equipment, and other expenses. Any money raised that is not required for these things will be saved for Victor to use when he is recovered. There are Team Victor shirts for sale for $25.00 and bracelets for $5.00 plus additional shipping fees. To Order *See contact info Below*

**Yes, GOFUNDME does take a small percentage of each donation in fees. For anyone who would like to donate direct to Victor's family please see the contact info listed below:**

If you are unable to donate all prayers and good vibes are also welcomed and if you can take a moment to please share this page with others that would be much appreciated. For more information or to follow Victor's journey: Team Victor's Facebook Instagram