Brody Francis Derrick was a typical 3 year old. Born with a very mellow disposition, he’s almost always happy and has a consistent smile on his face. He loves to show off his dimples. He consistently reminds his mom and dad when they're stressed that you've got to roll with the punches. Life is a blessing and Brody reminds his parents what's truly important in life. It's amazing what you can learn from a 3 year old. When he’s not playing cars, Transformers or trains, he can be found playing and wrestling with his 6-year-old brother, Casey. The brothers like to play ball, games of UNO and of course games on the iPad. Brody is very competitive and does not like to lose!
 
In May 2012 Brody began to wake in the middle of the night every so often, with a mild fever and not feeling well. Throughout June and July, he began complaining about stomach pain, fatigue and eventually began limping. After multiple doctors’ visits and the doctor diagnosing him with growing pains, the doctor finally ordered a blood test that determined his true diagnosis. Brody was diagnosed with Stage IV, high risk neuroblastoma that August. Brody’s diagnosis “took the wind out of the sails of our whole family,” his grandmother, Kathy, said. Brody's parent's world came to a screeching halt.
 
Brody's disease was very extensive. His tumors started in the adrenal gland, worked its way up through his chest and down through his spine, pelvis and right leg. His parents asked the surgeon at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) how extensive his disease was and the doctor responded on a scale of 1 to 10, 1 being not that bad and 10 being really bad, he said it was closer to a 10. That was really tough for Brody's parents to hear but they were determined to do everything they can to get Brody healthy again. Brody was treated at the Diamond Center in Tucson, Arizona and had surgery to detract his tumor at CHOP. Brody's treatment consisted of 6 rounds of chemo, multiple surgeries, 12 rounds of radiation, stem cell transplant and immunotherapy. He had one major complication during his treatment which was a perforated bowel after stem cell transplant. Luckily it didn't cause many issues other than an additional surgery and a couple of extra weeks in the hospital. Compared to some of the other families that go through this treatment regimen, Brody's parents felt blessed that they ran into very few speed bumps along the way. Brody was considered in remission in April of 2013, also known as No Evidence of Disease (NED). After he was diagnosed as NED, Brody cruised through the maintenance part of the treatment which is called immunotherapy and finished in September 2013
 
Throughout the treatment, Brody formed a bond with his nurses and doctors. His cheerful and playful demeanor made him a joy to be around. His dimples had quite an effect on the nurses. He was always helping the nurses unplug his port, change dressings and help set up the IVs. As he walked out of the hospital after finishing his last treatment, he shot the nurses with a marshmallow gun and they had balloons and posters congratulating Brody on finishing his treatment. It was an amazing day for the whole family.
 
Unfortunately with neuroblastoma, after a child is done with treatment, the worrying and hospital visits don't stop. The statistics show that 80 - 85% of children get through front line treatment but 50% relapse. There is no cure for relapse. Starting in December of 2013, Brody has scans every three months for the first two years. If neuroblastoma is going to relapse, it's typically within the first two years. Brody's first scan after treatment was two days before Christmas and the doctor's provided absolutely devastating news. They had found spots on his liver that were consistent with relapse. Due to the holiday, they were unable to do additional scans to confirm the relapse. During this time, Brody's parents were analyzing the radiologist report, looking at blood tests and urine test. Everything (other than the scan) pointed to this is something other than cancer. However, it didn't stop Brody's parents from fearing the worst and putting a damper on their holiday spirit. That next week after a MIBG scan, the doctor's provided the news that they were waiting to hear, he's still NED! It was quite a scare and reminded Brody's family how scary this disease can be.
 
Since December 2013, Brody has had 4 more scans and a clean bill of health. The spots on his liver are still there but they haven't grown and doctors believe it is minor damage from his treatment. He's had minor effects from treatment which include high frequency hearing loss. Brody's parents aren't clear what type of long term effects he might experience but they're so thankful that Brody has a second chance at life. Today, Brody is a vibrant 5 year old enjoying being a kindergartner and being a kid.
 
It's been about a year and a half since he's finished treatment. He's almost to the two year mark. There's still a chance that he can relapse between 2 and 5 years but the probability goes down significantly. Brody's parents will always be on the edge worrying about him. Every cough, fever, ache brings a sense of panic but his parents would much rather have that worry than the alternative. As Brody’s grandmother says, “When I am having a bad day, I just think of my precious grandson, Brody and it is already better.”
 
Sibling Quote (from Brody's brother Casey): “Are you sure you are sick, you sure don't act like it. You are tough.”
 
Hero Quote: When Brody hears the beep on the IV pump signaling that the chemotherapy treatment is done he says, “It's show time. I'm out of here!”

Information provided by the Derrick family
February 2015