When Barb received the heartbreaking news that her six-year-old son, Jeric, had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a fast-growing blood cancer, she was shocked.
“It was like an out-of-body experience,” says Barb. “It was like I was watching it happen to somebody else.”
Jeric, an active child who loved playing outside, was immediately admitted to the IWK’s Hematology Oncology Clinic. The clinic provides specialized care and treatment for Maritime children and youth who have cancer. It was where Jeric needed to be to have a fighting chance and the best possible outcome.
For the next three years, Jeric would undergo an intensive treatment plan that included chemotherapy (IV and oral), steroids and various other medications. He’d also need to routinely have many medical tests such as MRIs, x-rays, bloodwork, heart ultrasounds, and spinal taps. In fact, Jeric had 39 spinal taps in total.
The harsh side effects of the treatment were tough on Jeric physically and emotionally. He was often sick and weak, suffered from night sweats, and lost his hair.
“I didn't like losing my hair,” says Jeric. “I still hate getting haircuts because of losing my hair.”
Jeric’s immune system was so weakened from treatment that he developed shingles (a viral infection that causes a painful rash), RSV (a respiratory infection) and temporarily lost his ability to walk.
“We had to carry him around,” says Barb. “If he did walk at all, he was hunched over. He looked like a little old man.”
On November 15, 2020, Jeric finally got to ring the cancer bell to celebrate the completion of his cancer treatment. “It was so exciting,” remembers Jeric. “I was ringing that bell as hard as I could, and I gave Mom the biggest hug ever. And then I shouted, I’m free! I’m free!”
Jeric, now 14 years old, is thankfully cancer-free and loves fast cars, swimming, and playing pool. He visits the IWK yearly for checkups.
Barb’s advice to parents who learn their child has cancer? “Take it one day at a time. Don't ask what will happen tomorrow. Conquer tomorrow, tomorrow.”
