In March of 2008 when Hunter was 6, he was diagnosed with Ewing sarcoma.  The primary tumor site was on his right scapula, it metastasized to both lungs with 20 nodules.  After an MRI, followed by a biopsy it was discovered to be malignant.  We immediately started to live a very scary world of unknowns. Life as we knew it was about to change forever.  Hunter was taken out of his Kindergarten year and was not able to make friends, develop social skills or anything else that happens during the most important years of a child’s life.
 
After chest CT scans, bone scans and loads of blood work, we were told by his oncologist that he had a 30% chance of survival due to the metastatic disease.  A roadmap was then created.  Hunter was expected to do 3 months of chemotherapy every 4-5 weeks pre-operatively in hopes to shrink the tumor, than there would be the surgery to remove the tumor, followed by more chemo and possible radiation depending on the response to chemo.  We were made aware of all the side effects, symptoms and anything else we may expect  Hunter to endure.
 
Once the chemo began, we were prepared for anything, at least what any parent with a cancer kid, could be prepared for.  He had his first round of chemo and didn’t have too many side effects but did end up hospitalized due to an infection which lead to a fever.  5 days later he was well and was discharged home to do his homebound school work and try to live life as a normal child.
 
After his 2nd round of chemo they did more x-rays and scans that showed the tumor on his scapula was visibly smaller and the lung nodules went from the original 20 to 5!  We were amazed, surprised and a little anxious.  As chemo went on, Hunter continued to surprise all of us including his physicians.  He was able to have chemo every 2 to 2 1/2 weeks with little complications outside of normal, typical blood transfusions.
 
Because of the great response to the chemo and Hunter’s quick recovery between rounds we were way ahead of the original roadmap.  We were now ready to proceed with the surgery.
 
In June of 2008 Hunter had a 9 hour surgery to remove the diseased shoulder blade and replace it with a new shiny, very expensive titanium scapula.  He recovered from this so well that he was able to proceed with the chemo for another 3 months.  He then ended his treatments with 10 zaps of radiation to his lungs on Halloween 2008!  Halloween is our favorite holiday, for that is Hunter's cancerversary. 

We had a very successful story which I am so thankful for.   Hunter fought a demon that is way bigger than he.  He took it on with grace, dignity, never complained and was a true super-hero!.  I don’t want him to ever forget this experience because it will make him the person he will become. 
 
Hunter is now 3 1/2 years cancer free!  We have to wait 5 years before I can use that magical word CURED and he is considered a true survivor.    I feel that he is already a survivor because he is still cancer free, anytime someone is cancer free, they are a survivor!  He is now 10 years old and in the 4th grade.  He is doing great in school, loves rock music and playing his XBOX and most importantly - irritating his little brother! 

Hunter is MY true hero!

Written by Cheri Stockton, Hunter’s Mom
February 2012