Seeking Optimism.

momoftwins
momoftwins Member Posts: 3
edited March 2014 in Childhood Cancers #1
I am looking to be connected to survivors of Stage IV Wilms tumor. My 4 year old twin son was diagnosed with stage IV Wilms last week Monday & had his kidney removed on Tuesday. He has mets to both lungs, the flank, and a tumor bed in an artery to his heart. It seems that most survivors survived because of early detection. My son showed absolutely no signs, we ate super healthy, and obliged with routine medical care. I feel hopeless. I am sad and scared. I know all the percentages and stats, however, we have already fallen into this slim percentage of being struck with Wilms. Additionally, stage IV Wilms. If you're out there, I need to hear from you please.
Thanks.

Comments

  • HeartofSoul
    HeartofSoul Member Posts: 729 Member
    #2
    below is excellent site for
    below is excellent site for childrens cancers

    http://www.childrenscancer.org/learning-center/understanding-childhood-cancer/understanding-wilms-tumor.html

    http://www.childrenscancer.org/our-mission-and-values/our-mission/index.html

    If you would prefer to contact us by phone:
    1-888-422-7348
    (952) 893-9355
    Fax: (952) 893-9366


    The 2 most important factors in determining a child's outlook are the stage and histology of the tumor. (The histology refers to how it appears under the microscope)

    Does your son have Favorable histology? if so even at stage 4 there is a 86% survival rate after 5 yrs. If unfavorable histology, its 40%


    Stage IV

    The cancer has spread through the blood to organs away from the kidneys such as the lungs, liver, or bone, or to lymph nodes far away from the kidneys.
    About 10% of all Wilms tumors are stage IV.


    Types of Wilms tumor

    Wilms tumors are classified into 2 major types depending on how they look under a microscope (their histology):

    Favorable histology: These Wilms tumor have a favorable appearance under the microscope. Although the cells aren't quite normal looking, there is no anaplasia (see next paragraph). More than 90% of Wilms tumors have a favorable histology. The chance of cure for these tumors is very good.

    Unfavorable histology (anaplastic Wilms tumor): These Wilms tumors have an unfavorable appearance under the microscope. The look of the cancer cells varies widely, and the cell's nuclei (the central parts that contains the DNA) tend to be very large and distorted. This is called anaplasia. The more anaplasia that is found, the poorer the chance is for a cure.

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