In April ’24, Addison was diagnosed with Stage 4B Hodgkins Lymphoma after a series of perplexing symptoms. It all started in January when she began itching her feet, initially assumed to be athlete’s foot due to her basketball activities. However, despite treatments, the itching persisted and spread to her legs, accompanied by chicken pox-like spots. A dermatologist diagnosed dermatitis, but treatments failed to provide relief.
As weeks passed, the itching worsened, spreading to her entire body, along with red spots on her legs, ears, face, and arms. Various specialists, including an allergist who suspected scabies, were consulted, yet no diagnosis seemed to fit. Addison’s health deteriorated rapidly, marked by a 20lb weight loss, fatigue, and incessant itching. Despite efforts such as a gluten-free diet to address suspected celiac disease, symptoms persisted.
After a skin biopsy revealed severe inflammation, Addison was prescribed Dupixent, but even this provided no respite. Concerned and persistent, we reached out to her primary care doctor once more. Suspecting something more serious, she ordered further tests, which revealed alarming levels of inflammation. This prompted a referral to Dr. John Hill, a pediatric oncologist.
The subsequent whirlwind of medical evaluations confirmed the devastating diagnosis of Stage 4B Hodgkins Lymphoma.
Addison’s recent news has been quite challenging to come to terms with, but we’re committed to confronting it with resilience and optimism. She has been withdrawn from school and has had minimal interaction with her friends since receiving the diagnosis. Additionally, we’ve had to withdraw her from both recreational and competitive softball teams for the summer. Her usual plans for summer school and basketball camps have also been put on hold. We’re even considering whether to proceed with our previously scheduled camping trips and a potential trip to Ohio later in the summer.
Our family’s primary struggles revolve around managing schedules, continually packing hospital bags, grappling with medical terminology, and maintaining communication. The process of dealing with a child’s cancer diagnosis feels like a full-time job, encompassing communication with employers, coordinating with the primary care physician, exploring available resources, rescheduling previously planned appointments, updating family, friends, and coworkers, liaising with hospital billing departments, coordinating with the hometown pharmacy, and establishing relationships with the insurance’s specialty pharmacy for her chemotherapy medications. The sheer volume of tasks can be overwhelming.
Addison’s cancer diagnosis has profoundly impacted our family life in myriad ways. Firstly, it has shifted priorities, placing Addison’s health and well-being at the forefront of daily concerns. Family dynamics have adjusted to accommodate her medical needs, with schedules revolving around appointments, treatments, and hospital stays.
Emotionally, the diagnosis has brought about a range of responses, from shock and disbelief to fear and sadness. Each family member is coping differently, navigating their emotional journey while striving to support Addison too.
Addison is a remarkable 10-year-old girl with a vibrant personality that shines through even in the face of adversity. Despite the challenges she’s encountered, she maintains a resilient spirit and a contagious sense of humor that uplifts those around her.
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