Connor’s Story
Connor is a true warrior
The summer of 2019 my 14 year old son was having back and shoulder pain. I took him to his family doctor. He told me Connor was experiencing growing pains. He would need physical therapy. Couple weeks go by Connor was not himself. I took him into urgent care. They told me it was the flu. Called me the next day and told me Connor’s EKG was showing problems with his heart. I take him back to the family doctor they redo the EKG this time it was good. By this time I am frustrated no one could tell me what was going on. The back pain got worse.
I took him to a chiropractor. It helped some. On October 1st, I got home from work and Connor was doubled over in pain. I took him to the emergency room. That is when we heard them awful words. "I am sorry we think he has cancer" they took us by ambulance to Children's Hospital 2 hours away. During that ride I remember being so angry no one caught this. On October 3rd we got the news he has B-Cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
It seems like Connor can never catch a break. He has had a reaction to blood. His cortisol level wasn't working so we had to carry a shot around in case he would go unconscious, or have seizures. He had a reaction to Methroxate his body wouldn't push it out. They had to order a rescue drug that costed $89,000. Otherwise his kidneys would of failed. Had a reaction to steroids, now has AVN in his knee. Has been off steroids now 6 months. He would sleep 18 hours a day. Had to have sleep studies done. They say it's because of the chemo. We just got that under control with a medication. We have 5 months left in treatment. Connor was so excited to start school. Went the first day and has been in bed last 2 days because it was to much.
My son is a true warrior he has never complained once about treatment. He goes with it. The doctors and nurses love him because he's so chill.
I asked him if he could go back and never have cancer again what would he choose? He would pick cancer all over again. It is making him a better person. He wants to become an oncologist to help people.
Written by Nicole Nelson, Connor’s Mom
