Brock bravely battles cancer – and wins
Limping, extensive bruising, unexplained tiredness… When Tricia Roesler saw these troubling symptoms in her 18-month-old son, Brock, she knew something was wrong.
"We felt so fortunate. Brock could get the best treatment available, plus, by being here, so close to home, we had the support of family and friends – that was invaluable."
Tricia Roesler
"It was surreal," says Tricia, recalling the day in October 2003 when she took him from their home in Leonard, N.D., to MeritCare Children's Walk-In Clinic in Fargo. "I was so scared. Brock was so little and holding so tight to me," she says. "To think he might have leukemia was devastating, but that's what the early tests and exam pointed to."
As instructed, Tricia immediately took Brock to MeritCare Children's Hospital where her husband, Nathan, met them. There they met Dr. Nathan Kobrinsky, board-certified pediatric oncologist/hematologist at MeritCare Roger Maris Cancer Center. Further tests confirmed Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia – the most common type of childhood leukemia, but one that's highly curable with prompt, aggressive treatment.
Exceptional care – close to home
Tricia distinctly recalls her husband's comment immediately after Brock was diagnosed. "I can't believe we just left Vanderbilt," he said to her, referring to their recent move from Tennessee, home of the world-renowned Vanderbilt Children's Hospital. But then they learned something important.
"We found out that Roger Maris Cancer Center belongs to a major cancer research program called Children's Oncology Group. Through this, Brock could get the very same treatment here that he would have gotten at Vanderbilt – or any other major center in the country," says Tricia. "From then on, we felt so fortunate. Brock could get the best treatment available, plus, by being here, so close to home, we had the support of family and friends – that was invaluable."
The best gift
Two weeks into treatment, tests showed Brock's leukemia had responded well to the treatment. "I found out on my 30th birthday and could not have gotten a better gift," says Tricia. Three more years of carefully planned chemotherapy treatments would follow, giving Brock the best possible chance for cure. Delivered intravenously and in pills, treatments at varying intervals took place in the hospital, at Roger Maris Cancer Center and at home.
"The first six months were the hardest for Brock – for all of us," says Tricia. "Things got easier as the treatments became less intense."
Infection posed great danger to Brock because of his weakened immune system. "Every fever basically meant a week in the hospital so Brock could get the intravenous antibiotics he needed," says Tricia. "The child life specialists were a big help. They'd bring movies and toys to us. Even at the Cancer Center, they'd come and distract him during uncomfortable procedures." Donations to Children's Miracle Network support MeritCare Children's child life specialists.
Today, with his full course of treatment behind him, 6-year-old Brock is cancer-free. He continues to get periodic blood tests as part of his follow-up care. "Brock is doing great. He's just finishing kindergarten, loves to play, has a very competitive spirit and can't wait for t-ball this summer," says Tricia. "We've noticed, too, that Brock has a strong sense of sympathy for other kids – and family, too. One day last week when I wasn't feeling well, he came and put a pillow under my head, brought me a glass of water and just sat next to me and rubbed my arm. He knew how to comfort."
To learn more about children's cancer care at MeritCare Roger Maris Cancer Center, call (701) 234-2735 or (800) 511-6161 or visit cancer.meritcare.com or childrens.meritcare.com.
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