Meet Silas
Silas and his family had spent the summer of 2020 taking advantage of the open roads throughout California and going on small trips as a family. Silas is an active 10-year-old boy who loves to ride scooters and skateboards. He is also very active in sports and has been learning to box since the age of 5. Silas was just getting used to attending school online and navigating all of the lifestyle changes brought on by COVID-19 when he began to experience severe joint pain in his legs. The pain quickly moved to his shoulders and shortly thereafter, he began to experience headaches, fatigue, and bruising all over his body. His parents thought that it was growing pains or irritation from an old concussion. But after several days of trying to figure out what was wrong with their son, as he grew pale and withdrawn, Silas’ mother knew that something was terribly wrong.
In October, Silas began having pains so severe that he could hardly walk. His mother took him to the emergency room for bloodwork. Silas was admitted to the hospital within 4 hours of his arrival. While they waited, Silas asked his mother what was wrong with him and if he was going to die. Broken-hearted, she assured him that no matter what, he would beat it and make it home ok. Later that night, her fears became reality and Silas was diagnosed with Leukemia. His mother called to inform his father, who was completely shaken. With disbelief and panic for the difficult journey that was ahead of them, Silas’ mother braved the first night at the hospital alone. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, his father was unable to join them until the next day.
During their meeting with the Oncologists, Silas’ parents took extensive notes, in hopes to recall all of the information that they need to know in the coming months. His father asked as many questions as he could. Silas’ parents were forced to take turns being with him, and being home with his 7-year-old sister. They had no time to think or prepare themselves, or their family, for what was to come. Although she was overwhelmed, Silas’ mother, who is a cancer survivor, became his biggest advocate.
Silas began treatment that same day. He required blood and platelet transfusions. He also had a PIC line inserted and received his medicines through a tube. After a lumbar puncture reconfirmed his diagnosis, he began chemotherapy. Silas had an immediate adverse reaction to chemotherapy. His glucose levels were elevated, which sent him back to the hospital where he got sick and vomited uncontrollably in the restroom. His mother yelled for help and Silas was rushed into the ER where it was discovered that he was going into ketoacidosis. Silas was transferred to Kaiser of Downey, where he spent 4 days in the ICU before being diagnosed with chemo-induced diabetes. His parents had to learn how to administer insulin, count his carbs, and teach Silas how to eat while on steroids. There have been lots of tears and bouts of frustration for his parents, and for Silas, who was, and still is, a super foodie. If you ask Silas, even his own platelets “look like pineapple juice!”
Silas continued to experience what felt like every possible side effect to chemotherapy - allergic reactions, more vomiting, and convulsions. He’s also had a mini-stroke (TIA) at home, which resulted in another change in chemotherapy medication. The change in medication has significantly lengthened his treatment time and is causing diabetes. Presently, Silas visits the hospital 3 times per week for chemotherapy. The injections into his legs burn and Silas screams in agony every time as his parents watch, helpless. When they go home, they wonder every day if they are doing it right.
Silas is still receiving intensive treatment, and will continue his treatment over the next two years. He misses playing sports and spending time with his friends, being a little boy. His family lives minute to minute, keeping their bags packed, just in case, and his parents watch him more closely than ever before. Even in the wake of a global pandemic, which he knows poses a threat to his life, Silas’ ability to process what is happening and understand what is necessary for his own recovery has helped everyone else in his family to keep pushing forward with hope. Having a Rooms to Thrive™ would give Silas a place of his own to escape to.
