When 15-year-old Landon’s face began turning blue and he started vomiting in March 2026, his parents, Lisa and Darcy, instantly knew the head cold he’d been fighting for weeks could be something far more serious. That’s why they sought medical help at the IWK right away.
A chest X-ray showed there was a mass (an abnormal growth or lump) in his chest that was pressing on his heart. His care team also discovered he had a blood clot, which could be life-threatening if left untreated.
Landon was immediately admitted to the IWK’s Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. After having a bone marrow biopsy, Landon and his parents received the life-changing news that he has T-lymphoblastic lymphoma (T-LL). This rare and aggressive cancer affects the lymphatic system, which is supposed to protect the body from infections.
“I broke down,” says Lisa, upon learning that her only child had cancer. “It was not easy news to take in.”
Landon was transferred to the IWK’s Hematology and Oncology Unit, where they inserted a PICC line (a long, thin, flexible tube) and later placed a port-a-cath (a small medical device) in his arm, which is how he receives his chemotherapy treatments. In fact, Landon was the first child at the IWK r to have a port inserted in his arm rather than his chest, where it is commonly placed.
Since Landon began treatment, he has had to deal with side effects, such as extreme fatigue, nausea, and low hemoglobin. To date, he has needed seven blood transfusions due to his low hemoglobin and undergoes spinal taps every three months.
Fortunately, follow-up tests, thus far, have shown that Landon’s cancer is shrinking, and he’s responding well to treatment. But Landon’s care journey is far from over. He will need to continue chemotherapy treatments until July 2028 and endure the side effects that come with it.
Lisa, who says Landon is a great kid with a heart of gold, credits the IWK for saving her son’s life. “If it wasn’t for the IWK, he might not be here with us today,” shares Lisa. “They saved his life.”
