Virgil loves animals just like his big brothers. He is such a happy and silly little boy. His smile is infectious and he loves to laugh and make us laugh.
Virgil was diagnosed with Rhabdomyosarcoma on January 18, 2022. One evening when Virgil was about 7 months old, we found a “bump” on the side of his stomach. The next morning we went to our pediatrician’s office, and that Doctor seemed unconcerned, but it didn’t sit well with us. So, we went back the following day to our favorite Nurse Practitioner at our Pediatrician’s office and they ordered scans and a consult with a surgeon. The surgeon we met with assured us we had nothing to worry about, and that it was certainly benign. They said we will monitor and once he is a year old, we will remove it. After difficulties contacting their office, we met with another surgeon who said they would take it out the following week. The tumor was removed and following the holiday weekend we received an unexpected call to come into the surgeon’s office. It was at this time, we were given the news.
Virgil has already undergone 3 surgeries, 5 weeks of radiation, and 39 weeks of chemotherapy. He has 29 weeks remaining. Because of the intensity and demand of his treatment, I (Virgil’s mom) have been out of work since February. As a family of 5, we have faced many financial struggles. One of the biggest challenges though has been all of the time our family has been separated throughout the last year due to treatments and unexpected complications.
We spend a lot more time at home than we used to and a lot more time indoors (Virgil needs to limit his exposure to the sun). Unfortunately for Virgil and myself, a lot more time in the hospital as well. We have dealt with many hardships, but we have also grown to cherish the moments we are all together at home even more.
Virgil has impressed so many people throughout his treatments with his smile and resiliency. We are blown away by his strength and ability to handle everything he’s gone through.
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