Caregiving for a Child With Cancer
- Former “90 Day Fiancé” star Deavan Clegg’s 4-year-old Taeyang has been battling B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a blood cancer, since last May. Clegg has talked about her caregiving role and the financial struggles she’s faced paying for treatment.
- Despite battling cancer, new photos show Taeyang is a “strong lil’ guy” having fun at the lake with his sister.
- As a parent, it's crucial to pay close attention to your child's health and immediately take them to see a medical professional if you feel something isn't right.
- Assuming the role of a cancer caregiver when a spouse, parent, sibling, child, or friend is diagnosed with cancer comes with a unique set of responsibilities. The first thing to understand is that there is no shame in asking for help.
- If you are struggling to pay your bills associated with cancer treatment, SurvivorNet has put together the financial resources that are available to you for help.
The mom of three uploaded some sweet pictures to Instagram featuring her daughter Drascilla and Taeyang standing next to a lake and seemingly filled with joy.
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Taeyang is the child of Clegg and her reality star ex Jihoon Lee, 28, who she appeared with on "90 Day Fiancé: The Other Way." He's been fighting for his life since he was diagnosed with a "very aggressive" type of cancer called B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or ALL, last year.
Not pictured in the new post was a photo of herself, her current boyfriend Topher Park, and their newborn baby.
It’s unclear what Taeyang and his sister are looking at in the images, but one thing is for sure, they look incredibly happy to be there.
Taeyang is seen in the first photo with a light blue button-down shirt with sailboats on it, as his sister, seen in a tee-shirt with bumblebees on it, poses with her arm around her brother.
Then, the second photo is simply just a closeup of Taeyang’s side profile, also appearing to be happy during the family photoshoot day.
The social media post prompted praise from Clegg’s fans, with many expressing their delight to be seeing Taeyang enjoying life.
One fan commented, “Look at that sweet baby boy! So glad he’s up and out and having fun. Such a strong lil guy.”
“Wow so grown up! I'm so relieved to see Taeyang thriving, such a stark contrast to how he looked a while back,” another fan wrote. “But what am I saying, let's not look back too much and look forward to the future!”
A third wrote, “Omg Taeyang looks amazing!!! So happy to see his treatment has worked for him what a road it was but he looks great!!”
Clegg has been taking to Instagram and YouTube to offer updates on her son’s battle with cancer since he was diagnosed just one month after his third birthday in 2022.
Deavan Clegg Cares for Son During Cancer Battle
Deavan Clegg initially shared the news of Taeyang's diagnosis with her Instagram followers on May 31, 2022.
“I have vowed to always be 100% transparent with you guys and I am choosing to share the most vulnerable and saddest point of my life right now in hopes it can help give anyone else dealing with a similar situation some strength,” she captioned her the post, revealing a photo of her son playing with toys in what appears to be a hospital.
“I'm overcome with so much emotion and devastation to announce that my beloved son Taeyang who just celebrated his third birthday last month was just diagnosed with childhood cancer, b-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia just a few days ago.”
After announcing that her son had already started chemotherapy treatments, she informed her fans, “This is every parent’s absolute worst nightmare and I'm trying hard to stay strong for Taeyang, Drascilla and my baby in my tummy.
“Taeyang will need around-the-clock hospital care and this will be a long two-year process that has a high success rate of full recovery in five years. I'm still processing all of this and asking for prayers, please.”
RELATED: Huge Bills Mount for Deavan Clegg as Son Battles Cancer, But He's Making Major Improvements
Meanwhile, Taeyand's grandmother Elicia Clegg, shared in a recent update post on her grandson's GoFundMe page, which has since raised more than $41,000, thanking everyone for helping amid this “long fight.”
She wrote earlier this year, "Right now he is stabilized, and luckily only has to go to the hospital once a month now, and gets all other treatment at home. This has been good for his emotional well-being. I will keep you all posted, but for now, today, Taeyang is doing so well, and is happy, and I was happy for him."
"It may seem silly, but just being around other children, and running alongside them was a bit of sunshine and put a much-needed smile on his face," she added.
Clegg had previously indicated that she had to stop her normal job to become Taeyang's full-time caregiver. Because of this, she was having difficulty paying for his medical bills something so many survivors and their families are familiar with.
If you are struggling to pay your bills associated with cancer treatment, SurvivorNet has put together the financial resources that are available to you for help.
Help Paying the Cancer Bills
- How to Get Help With the Cancer Bills
- Other Ways to Get Help Paying The Cancer Bills as New Research Finds Crowdfunding Sites Often Fall Short
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- ‘Strong in Cancer’: How To Combat Financial Anxiety, Plus Tips For Making Difficult Treatment Decisions
And more recently, Clegg shared another Instagram post of her son smiling and holding a stuffed animal, with the caption, @Cancer update. We've came along way since last year! Taeyang is doing much better. He only has to go to clinic once a month.
"His hair is growing back nicely and he is very happy. He's gained the weight he lost back. He seems to have a lot more energy lately. We are thankful for everyone who has helped. Although we still have a long journey to go! We know Taeyang will beat cancer! Thank you everyone.”
Prior to that, on May 25, 2023, Clegg took to Instagram to mark the one-year anniversary of her son’s cancer diagnosis, writing, “Reflecting back on the past year and all the trials it has brought. The past year our lives were turned upside down and shattered.
"Many days we thought we were going to lose our sweet boy. Although he isn't cured and is still battling this horrible disease.”
However, she noted the hope in knowing that it all means he is “one step closer from recovery” and acknowledged the financial help that made it possible.
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, also known as acute lymphocytic leukemia, is a rare type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow. The disease is caused by DNA damage to the cells in your bone marrow that give rise to blood cells.
Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues, white blood cells fight infections as part of the immune system, and platelets help stop bleeding.
Dr. Oluwole Says ALL Is The Result Of A 'Quiet Mutation' That Causes Leukemia
“(ALL) is a type of cancer that is very aggressive. It grows very fast. Within a few weeks, a few months, the person will start to feel very sick. And that's why we will have to give it an equally aggressive type of treatment to break that cycle,” Dr. Olalekan Oluwole, a hematologist with Vanderbilt University Medical Center told SurvivorNet in an earlier interview.
“It is often not something that is heritable," Dr. Oluwole explained. “If there happens to be a pattern in a certain family, many times that may be maybe because they were in the same environment. 'I got exposed to the same thing, right?’
“So it is not necessarily something that is heritable or like some of the other cancers, some of the other genes that we know about things like breast cancerALL is not like that.”
As for support after such a life-changing diagnosis, he says there are trained professionals such as case managers and hospital navigators who exist to aid people through their cancer journeys.
The Impact of a Childhood Cancer Diagnosis on the Whole Family Jayne Wexler Shares Her Story
“Cancer is a really life-changing diagnosis and we would like our patients to know that don't have to feel as if they are on their own,” Dr. Oluwole said.
Caring for a Child With Cancer Like Deavan Clegg
When a child is diagnosed with cancer, like Deavan Clegg’s son was, it can feel extremely overwhelming trying to ensure they're getting the best possible care. However, there are many resources out there to turn to if you are caring for a child with cancer.
If you're wondering what you can do to ensure your child is getting the best treatment possible, consider the following recommendations from the National Cancer Institute.
- “Build strong partnerships” Communicate openly and honestly with your child's care team. You want to build a solid relationship with the people treating your child so you feel confident asking any questions and discussing your child's treatment path.
- “Take advantage of the many specialists who can help your child” There are many people who can help you and your child after the diagnosis arrives. Don't hesitate to ask for specialists to help you and your child learn about their disease, understand how it will be treated and cope with difficult emotions.
- “If you get information online, make sure the source is credible” Doing your own research is a great way to advocate for your child, but it's important you're looking at reliable sources such as (but not limited to) the National Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, National Comprehensive Cancer Network and American Society of Clinical Oncology, among others. Talk to doctors about what you're finding and don't hesitate to get multiple opinions regarding your child's treatment path.
- “Make sure you understand what your child's health care team tells you” You need to ask for clarification if something about your child's diagnosis or treatment is confusing.
- “Keep your child's pediatrician updated” Make sure your child's cancer care team is sending updates to their regular pediatrician.
The primary thing to understand in caregiving is that there is no shame in seeking help during a difficult time. This can be an overwhelming experience for both patients and their caregivers, too.
Through interviews with expert oncologists, social workers, patient advocates, and more, SurvivorNet has come up with a checklist of helpful steps cancer caregivers can follow throughout the journey.
Dr. Jayanthi Lea With Guidance For New Cancer Caregivers
Advocating for Your Child
Here at SurvivorNet, we always encourage people to advocate for themselves when it comes to cancer and, more generally, health care. When it comes to a child, the parent must become the advocate.
And even if you're called “pushy” or people dismiss the concerns you have for your child, it's important to remember that you never know when speaking up about a seemingly unproblematic issue that can lead to a very important diagnosiscancer or otherwise.
Seeking multiple opinions is one way to make sure you or your child is getting the proper care and attention. You should also try to remember that not all doctors are in agreement. Recommendations for further testing or treatment options can vary, and sometimes it's essential to talk with multiple medical professionals.
Advocating for Yourself While Navigating the Medical World
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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