Lucas had been fighting cancer for much of his life, although it was unknown to anyone until he was diagnosed with Wilms' Tumor in March of 1996. Wilms' Tumor is a rapidly developing cancer, which affects the kidneys. Lucas had what was called Bilateral Wilms', due to the fact that it affected both Kidneys'. Once Lucas was diagnosed he immediately began Chemotherapy. After a few weeks of Chemotherapy Lucas underwent his first surgery to remove the majority of the Tumor. During that first operation Doctors took his right kidney, part of the left kidney, his append ix, and part of his liver, and placed a central line catheter. The catheter is used to administer Chemotherapy, draw blood, administer blood transfusions, and give antibiotics for treatment of infections.
Lucas went through extensive out patient Radiation treatments. As he neared the end of his Radiation treatment Lucas was hit with a blood infection, while traveling from the hospital to home. Lucas became suddenly ill and was immediately taken back to the hospital and treated.
In August of '96, shortly after his sister Danielle had a tonsillectomy, Lucas relapsed. Lucas was on his second to last Chemotherapy treatment when this happened. This time it grew back on his liver and you could see the mass just by looking at him. Again Lucas was rushed into surgery to remove the Tumor. Its not very common for a re lapse during Chemotherapy, nor was it very promising for Lucas. He was given about a 5% chance of recovery. After the relapse Lucas underwent stronger Chemotherapy, and twenty sessions of Radiation. On Friday, December 20th, Lucas was hospitalized due to a high temperature. Things were looking up during the day on Saturday and Doctors were certain that he would be out by Christmas. Later that night his condition changed and Lucas began to get sick. It was discovered that Lucas had a bowel obstruction and he was operated on the night of the 23rd. Lucas and I therefore spent Christmas in the hospital. Lucas returned home finally on the 3rd of January 1997. Only to have to return on the 4th due to low blood counts. Lucas returned home after several transfusions on the 6th.
In March of 1997 Lucas had to have his central line removed due to an infection. A new line was put in p rior to removing the old one. This was the fourth time Lucas has had to have such an operation.
On 06-21-97 Lucas was admitted to Finley hospital in Dubuque, IA. Around 5:00am that morning Lucas woke up with a severe headache and a temperature of 102.3 degrees. We later found out that Lucas had another blood infection. Lucas stayed at Finley until Monday, after which he came home on IV antibiotics.
On 07-11-97 Lucas' central line catheter fell out. The catheter was replaced on 07-17-97. Thi s was the fifth time Lucas had such an operation.
On 10-31-97 Lucas was playing on a trampoline when he fell off and hit his head. Lucas was initially taken to Finley hospital then transported to UW-Madison for surgery. The injury was very serious for Lucas because of the effects of Chemotherapy on his blood.
After the accident the Oncologist decided that Lucas had had enough. The Chemotherapy was doing more damage that it was good. Lucas had several scans and checkups from October to Dece mber. In December Lucas had his central line removed. Usually the removal is simple, but this last time it had to add a twist. While removing the line it broke off inside of Lucas. He had to be cut open to remove the remaining line. Lucas spent a few days in the hospital then returned home.
Hopefully Lucas will only have to return to the UW for check-ups and scans. It has been a long battle for the little guy and we hope that it is over. Throughout the whole time Lucas has maintained a very good at titude. The whole family would like to thank everyone involved and all those who have sent e-mail to Lucas. It is too hard to explain the difficulties and the experiences we have had since Lucas was diagnosed. Hopefully this page will provide you with the basic information. Some of the dates and other significant events have not been recorded. Once again from Lucas and his whole family, thank you.
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