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Sunday, September 23, 2018
Enid News & Eagle
‘We had to be strong for our little Addi’ Family shares story of ongoing fight against childhood cancer By James Neal Staff Writer
When Ashley Epps took her two-anda-half year-old daughter Addison to an urgent care clinic on Aug. 31, she expected to receive antibiotics for an ear infection. Instead, after more than 24 hours of exams and tests, she learned her daughter has cancer. She shared her story with the News & Eagle to offer support and understanding to other parents, as her own daughter begins cancer treatment. Ashley, who is a special education, history and English teacher at Enid High School, said Addison had been lethargic, and had stopped some of her normal play activities, for several weeks leading up to that visit to the urgent care clinic. When she and husband, Steven “Ty” Epps, took Addison to the clinic, Ashley said she was sure it was for an ear infection that had gotten worse. But, on that day, Ashley said her daughter’s skin color also had started taking on a yellowish tint. She said it didn’t take the urgent care doctor long to figure out the issue was bigger than an ear infection. “The lady came in and looked at her and said, ‘You need to get her to the emergency room,’” Ashley said. An emergency room visit revealed Addison had low levels of hemoglobin — the protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen throughout the body. The family, by now joined by Addison’s grandmother, Angie Epps, were referred to Children’s Hospital at OU Medical Center. Blood tests there revealed Addison had a low white blood cell count. “They told us it looked like it might be cancer, and they needed to do more tests,” Ashley said. The family spent three hours waiting on the results of that blood exam to confirm if Addison had cancer. “That was the worst three hours of our life, waiting and going back and forth, because when you hear ‘cancer,’ it’s so scary,” Ashley said. “I don’t think I’ve prayed that hard in all my life.” Angie said it “was the hardest thing ever,” seeing her son, daughter-in-law and
The Epps family, (from left) Ty, Hayden, Addison and Ashley, appear outside David Allen Memorial Ballpark during the Sherry A. Suttmiller Memorial Softball Tournament. (Billy Hefton / Enid News & Eagle)
granddaughter waiting for the results. When the results finally came in, they offered some hope. The doctors reported Addison’s tests did not show “typical-looking cancer cells,” Ashley said. She clung to that hope the rest of that night, waiting for an oncologist to arrive
the next morning, a Saturday, to confirm the diagnosis. More tests followed, and six more hours of waiting on results. Ashley described that period as a “roller coaster of emotions.” The roller coaster bottomed out late that afternoon when the doctors came back with
a definite diagnosis: Addison had developed acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a form of cancer in which bone marrow produces too much of a particular type of white blood cell.
See ADDI, Page 3
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Sunday, September 23, 2018
Enid News & Eagle
Ignoring the symptoms of cancer could be fatal decision Cancer claims the lives of millions of people across the globe every year. According to World Health Organization, cancer was responsible for 8.8 million deaths worldwide in 2015, making it the second-leading cause of death across the globe. Though cancer often is fatal, it doesn’t have to be. WHO notes cancer mortality can be reduced if cases are detected and treated early. When identified early, cancer is more likely to respond to effective treatment. In addition, WHO notes screening is a valuable asset in the fight against cancer, potentially identifying abnormalities suggestive of specific cancers in individuals who have not developed any symptoms. By including cancer screenings in their healthcare regimens, men and women who feel healthy may be able to catch cancer before
it reaches its later stages and/ or spreads to other parts of their bodies. One of the characteristics of cancer that make it so formidable is it does not necessarily produce symptoms. For example, in the case of ovarian cancer, in which cancerous cells are found
inside, near or on the outer layer of the ovaries, non-specific symptoms, coupled with a lack of early detection tests, make it difficult to detect this disease that will affect one in 75 women during their lifetimes. In fact, National Ovarian Cancer Coalition notes only about 20 percent of ovarian cancers are
caught in early stages of the disease (stage I or II). The five-year survival rate in those instances is more than 90 percent. However, when ovarian cancer is first detected in stages III or higher, survival rates can be as low as 28 percent. Because there is no accurate screening test for ovarian cancer, NOCC advises all women to undergo annual rectal and vaginal pelvic examinations. In addition, NOCC recommends women familiarize themselves with certain signs and symptoms often identified by women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer. These symptoms include: • Bloating • Pelvic or abdominal pain • Difficulty eating or feeling full quickly • Feeling the need to urinate urgently or often • Fatigue
• Upset stomach or heartburn • Back pain • Pain during sex • Constipation or menstrual changes If these symptoms are new and persist for more than two weeks, NOCC advises women to see their physicians as well as a gynecologic oncologist before surgery if cancer is suspected. It’s important to note the presence of any of the aforementioned symptoms does not necessarily mean a woman has ovarian cancer. Many symptoms may disappear if dietary changes are instituted or after exercise. Laxatives and rest also may cause symptoms to disappear. However, persistence of any of these symptoms warrants an immediate consultation with a physician. More information about ovarian cancer is available at www. ovarian.org.
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Sunday, September 23, 2018
Enid News & Eagle
Just let your love shine Parents should be calm, honest, hopeful when speaking to children about cancer No parent wants to hear that their child has cancer, but such is the reality for thousands of parents each year. According to the nonprofit foundation CureSearch for Children’s Cancer, nearly 16,000 children are diagnosed with cancer each year. Survival rates for childhood cancers have improved dramatically over the last half-century, increasing from just 10 percent to nearly 90 percent in that time period. Parents should be encouraged by such statistics, but many may still wonder how to speak to children about their cancer diagnosis. National Cancer Institute notes children will learn a lot from their parents’ tone of voice and facial expressions, so it’s important to remain calm when speaking to kids about cancer. Openness and honesty also are important, as it will inspire children to trust and confide in their parents as they battle their illnesses. NCI also notes age-related suggestions may help parents
speak with their children about cancer.
Less than one year old
Children who are less than one year old won’t be capable of understanding they have a disease, so NCI advises parents of such youngsters to comfort them by holding them and gently touching them. Skin-to-skin contact is ideal, and during treatment, parents can bring familiar items from home, such as toys or a blanket, to make kids feel more comfortable. Children less than one year old find their parents’ voices soothing, so speaking and singing to children during their treatment sessions can comfort them as well.
1- to 2-year-olds
Children in this age group understand things they can see and touch, so bring along some items they can safely play with during treatment. In addition, let kids choose
the flavor of their medicines when possible. Prepare kids ahead of time if treatment will involve something that hurts, such as an injection. Failing to prepare them in such instances may make them fearful and anxious throughout the rest of their treatments.
3- to 5-year-olds
Help children in this age group better understand their treatment by asking doctors if kids can touch the models, machines or supplies, including tubes and bandages, ahead of time. Prepare kids beforehand for potentially painful parts of their treatment, and try to distract them by reading to them during procedures. Kids in this age group also may be comforted by holding a favorite toy or stuffed animal.
6- to 12-year-olds
Children between the ages of six and 12 will understand that medicine helps them heal, so such kids will likely want to
cooperate when receiving treatment. Kids in this age group will want to know what to expect and will likely have many questions, so parents should try to have as many answers about their children’s disease as possible. Parents who are stumped by kids’ questions can look up answers together with their children.
Teenagers
NCI notes teenagers who have been diagnosed with cancer may be preoccupied with how their disease has changed their lives and separated them from their friends. Parents can make an effort to ensure their teenage children stay as connected to their friends as possible. Teenagers also should be included in treatment decisions. Parents can help children diagnosed with cancer understand their disease in various ways. More information is available at www.cancer.gov.
Some doctors think hope may help a body deal with cancer. So, scientists are studying whether a hopeful outlook and positive attitude helps people feel better. Here are ways you can build a sense of hope: Plan your days as you’ve always done. Don’t limit things you like to do just because you have cancer. Look for reasons to have hope. If it helps, write them down or talk to others about them. Spend time in nature. Reflect on your religious or spiritual beliefs. Listen to stories about people with cancer who are leading active lives. ~ www.cancer.gov