Diagnosis of Osteosarcoma

On March 7, 2012 Jake went to the doctor for what he thought was a sprained ankle. After blood work and x-rays the physician explained his swelling was not the result of coming down incorrectly on his foot in a basketball game. Jake was referred to Dr. Steven Scott, MD. an oncologist at the Huntsman Cancer institute in Salt Lake City. His week was filled with more tests, a biopsy, CT scan, MRI, and a full body scan. Dr. Scott diagnosed Jake on March 13th with Osteosarcoma, an aggressive, cancerous tumor surrounding his tibia right next to his growth plate. It was also discovered that Jake had developed a nodule on his lung--a most life threatening situation that needed immediate treatment. A second opinion was sought from Dr. Jennifer Wright, MD at Primary Children's Medical Center and she had Jake lined up with his first treatment the very next week. Jake, at age 17 years old, requires chemotherapy to be administered and his care to be given at Primary Children's in Salt Lake City. Jake began his first inpatient chemotherapy treatment of Doxorubicin and Cisplatin on March 28th 2012. After his discharge on April 1, home health care began to oversee the care of his IV therapy. Jakes' side effects include nausea, headache, dizziness, mouth and throat sores, hair loss, change in tastes, ringing in ears and memory loss.

Jake will continue to receive inpatient treatments every two to three weeks. He and his family are optimistic and very appreciative of all the prayers and concern shown on their behalf.