New Treatments, New Hope for Claire
By Olivia, a Children's National parent
My daughter Claire is a spirited 5-year-old who brings our family joy every day. She exudes confidence many of us only dream of and has a gift for making everyone smile. Thanks to innovative treatments at Children’s National Hospital, she is healthy and living life to the fullest.
Experts diagnosed Claire with Wilms tumor, a type of kidney cancer in children, at 19 months old. The cancer had spread to her lungs, making it stage 4. She had surgery for a biopsy and port installation, followed by 6 weeks of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. It was a hard and scary time for us, both physically and emotionally. But Claire’s oncologist Holly Meany, MD, kept us informed and supported.
Claire responded well to the initial chemotherapy. The next month, she had surgery at Children’s National to remove the tumor and one of her kidneys. A pathology report showed genetic markers indicating a higher risk of the cancer coming back. We switched to a stronger chemotherapy regimen. This added an extra layer of fear to an already difficult situation.
Thankfully, Wilms tumor research advancements led by Jeffrey Dome, senior vice president of the Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s National, meant that a specific treatment plan was available. Claire’s team began the new treatment right away. I remember being in awe when I first saw the plan, amazed at how much thought and precision had gone into it. Claire faced 33 more weeks of intensive chemo, two weeks of radiation and many hospital stays.
A year later, Claire rang the victory bell. Dr. Meany told us she was cancer-free. Now, Claire is helping with research by participating in a study on solid tumors at Children's National.
It’s been three years since Claire finished treatment. She no longer takes any medications and has experienced little to no side effects from chemo and radiation. Though she still has scans every six months, she bounces around with the energy and joy of any other 5-year-old.
The Children’s National Cancer Genetics Program studied Claire and our family history. They confirmed that genetics did not cause Claire’s cancer, providing peace of mind. A pediatric gynecologist also preserved Claire’s future fertility by removing and safeguarding one of her ovaries—a relatively new practice made possible by research. The team will follow her through puberty and into early adulthood. This gives us reassurance for her long-term health.
Without the incredible advancements in cancer research, Claire might not have had access to the best treatment available for her tumor or specialized care supporting her future well-being. She’s been able to enjoy being a carefree, joyful child, instead of struggling with harsh side effects or ongoing health issues. And we’ve been able to focus on helping her just be a kid.
These breakthroughs are why Claire is thriving today. For that, we are forever grateful.
Experts diagnosed Claire with Wilms tumor, a type of kidney cancer in children, at 19 months old. The cancer had spread to her lungs, making it stage 4. She had surgery for a biopsy and port installation, followed by 6 weeks of chemotherapy to shrink the tumor. It was a hard and scary time for us, both physically and emotionally. But Claire’s oncologist Holly Meany, MD, kept us informed and supported.
Claire responded well to the initial chemotherapy. The next month, she had surgery at Children’s National to remove the tumor and one of her kidneys. A pathology report showed genetic markers indicating a higher risk of the cancer coming back. We switched to a stronger chemotherapy regimen. This added an extra layer of fear to an already difficult situation.
Thankfully, Wilms tumor research advancements led by Jeffrey Dome, senior vice president of the Cancer and Blood Disorders Center at Children’s National, meant that a specific treatment plan was available. Claire’s team began the new treatment right away. I remember being in awe when I first saw the plan, amazed at how much thought and precision had gone into it. Claire faced 33 more weeks of intensive chemo, two weeks of radiation and many hospital stays.
A year later, Claire rang the victory bell. Dr. Meany told us she was cancer-free. Now, Claire is helping with research by participating in a study on solid tumors at Children's National.
It’s been three years since Claire finished treatment. She no longer takes any medications and has experienced little to no side effects from chemo and radiation. Though she still has scans every six months, she bounces around with the energy and joy of any other 5-year-old.
The Children’s National Cancer Genetics Program studied Claire and our family history. They confirmed that genetics did not cause Claire’s cancer, providing peace of mind. A pediatric gynecologist also preserved Claire’s future fertility by removing and safeguarding one of her ovaries—a relatively new practice made possible by research. The team will follow her through puberty and into early adulthood. This gives us reassurance for her long-term health.
Without the incredible advancements in cancer research, Claire might not have had access to the best treatment available for her tumor or specialized care supporting her future well-being. She’s been able to enjoy being a carefree, joyful child, instead of struggling with harsh side effects or ongoing health issues. And we’ve been able to focus on helping her just be a kid.
These breakthroughs are why Claire is thriving today. For that, we are forever grateful.
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