We found out, unexpectedly, today that one of my ds's friends was diagnosed with kidney cancer. They found a tumor the size of a baseball and he'll be going to UCSF on Friday for surgery. This family has dealt with so much and many of us that love them are afraid that this may be the blow that tears this family apart. Please keep Jacob and his family in your prayers. He's such a sweet boy that hasn't had a fair shake in life.

Marcia, Yvonne or Karen, if you have any suggestions for what we can do to help Jacob be more comfortable in the hospital or to relieve any burdens on his family, I'd love your input. Thank you.

By Dawnk777 on Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 09:20 am:

I'm so sorry.

By Bellajoe on Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 09:27 am:

OMG that's awful. Your son must be so scared for his friend.
I will keep Jacob in my thoughts and prayers.

By Marcia on Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 10:08 am:

I'm so sorry to hear about Jacob. He and his family will be in my prayers.

Do they have internet access? Two of the kids that I follow are a year cancer free. Their parents decided to use their caringbridge websites to write articles to help parents who are new to the battle. The first thing I would suggest is to have them read the articles. There are only 2 so far, but the first one is on diagnosis, and the second is on beginning treatment. Although their cancers are different than Jacob's, the feelings are the same.
Kendrie

I think that setting up a caringbridge page would be very helpful to them, because there is such a huge network of support out there.

Is this child in your child's class? Perhaps you could start a list of people who could drop dinner off to them each night. When you're going through that stress, feeding yourself is the last thing you think about. Eating crappy cafeteria food is unhealthy and expensive. Also, take muffins, fruit, and any other healthy snacks you can think of that they can pick away at in the hospital.
How old is he? Little activity packages would be nice for him - things he can do while sitting/lying in bed.

I would be happy to get my Tweens group to send him some cards, if you want.
Tweens

By Tink on Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 10:46 am:

This is a family we know through church. Unfortunately, at this point, we don't have any idea how much time they will be spending in San Francisco so we aren't able to provide meals for anyone but the teenage son, who is staying with the pastor and his wife. I do think a laptop was loaned to them so they'll have internet access while in the hospital. I don't believe they have a computer at home. I'll print these pages out so that they can be read without going online.

Jacob is an active 6yo. We've already made up a package with some "How to draw" books, sketchpad and pencils, Madlibs and are loaning him a Nintendo DS and a couple of games. I plan on picking up some magazines and a few snacks for mom this afternoon. I'm not sure what else to do or give at this point.

Thank you all for your prayers. Please continue to pray for him as time goes on.

By Tripletmom on Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 12:08 pm:

{{{{PRAYERS}}}}

By Karen~admin on Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 03:27 pm:

Cori, suggest to his family that they enroll him in Chemo Angels. He is just beginning treatment, and at his age, he qualifies. You DON'T have to be taking chemotherapy treatments to qualify. It will cheer him up greatly while he is fighting this. If he has siblings, they will likely be included in the gifts and cards that are sent. It's a WONDERFUL organization!! I simply cannot say enough positive things about it. I, like Yvonne, am a Chemo Angel and it is very rewarding to know you are helping someone in their darkest times. I enrolled my mom, and the joy it gave her cannot be measured in words. Here is the main page of Chemo Angels; you can find out all about this non-profit organization here.

Another thing that might be appropriate is Make a Child Smile. I stumbled across this many years ago and have sent countless cards to these little ones.

It is heartbreaking and devastating when ANYONE is struck by cancer, but particularly a child.

For the family, I'd suggest getting a group of people together to volunteer to help out with siblings if there are any, take care of providing some meals for mom and dad while he's in the hospital, or even when they go home, maybe some gift certificates to places where they can pick up food to bring to the hospital or home, maybe take care of cleaning their house or helping with their laundry, taking turns sitting with him at the hospital. Most families are very hesitant to ask for help when they most need it, so when it's offered, it's a Godsend to them.

Many prayers for their family...

By Karen~admin on Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 03:28 pm:

Keep in mind, at some points in treatment, and immediately following surgery, he will feel lousy and probably won't want to read, play games or draw, etc. DVD's to watch or CD's to listen to are good choices. When he feels better those other things will be good. Books too, if he's interested.

By Nicki on Thursday, January 18, 2007 - 09:19 pm:

I will keep Jacob and his family in my prayers.

By Tink on Friday, January 19, 2007 - 10:38 am:

Thank you so much, everyone. Marcia and Karen, I've let someone from our church know that I have some online resources for them and to keep me notified about any needs the family has. Since they are a couple of hours away from all of us right now, I'm going to pick up some gift cards that they can use for food in the city and I'll send those with the other things I've picked up for them. I just don't know what they have available as far as CD's and DVD's go. Thanks again.

By Marcia on Friday, January 19, 2007 - 11:20 am:

In a children's ward, they typically have dvd players that the kids can use. If not, it would be an excellent idea for your church members to chip in and buy him a portable dvd player. It'll help him pass lots of time.

By Yjja123 on Friday, January 19, 2007 - 08:02 pm:

Everyone has mentioned great ideas. A few examples of things I have sent my buddy:
Craft kits and supplies
Short story books--even the funny mad lib or comics are great.
Pajamas
Robe
Funny socks
Gift cards to eat out (for parents)
The squishy balls that have funny things in them
Card games
Board games
Travel games
CD's and DVD's
stickers
Yo-yo's
Handheld electronic games
kids magazines
Basically anything that would be fun & useful if you are stuck in bed.
I sent a huge goodie box of all sweets when she was trying to put on weight. Her mom requested high calorie treats. I had a great time buying a sampler of candy. I also found ginger candy at Whole Foods that really helped her with her upset stomach.
Just your reaching out to the family, as support, will be the most helpful. You are a great friend to do that!