Newborn Had ‘Black’ Swollen Arm And Doctors Thought He Broke It In The Birth Canal: It Turned Out To Be Cancer And Had To Be Amputated

The specific type of cancer, called congenital spindle cell rhabdomyosarcoma, affects the soft tissue. Rhabdomyosarcoma accounts for approximately 3.5% of cancer cases among children aged 0 to 14 years, according to the American Cancer Society.

Spindle cell, an uncommon variant of this type of sarcoma, affects approximately 3-10% of the 3.5% of total cases.

When baby Luke was born, his left arm was swollen, and it had turned black. Doctors initially thought that his arm was broken while coming through the birth canal, which Grace was told was not uncommon.

Related: Warning Signs! The Top Ten Childhood Cancer Symptoms That Can Be Missed

However, when he was diagnosed with cancer, the severity of the situation set in, especially when after the first-time mom learned that Luke’s arm needed to be amputated.

“We were just numb,” Grace shared of the news first hitting her. Doctors reassured her that was nothing she did wrong. Genetic tests were performed, but everything came up negative.

 

“I never thought that I needed to worry about my baby being born with cancer,” Grace said. “I didn't know that that happened. That's just not something you think about.”

Luke had to undergo chemotherapy, and at just three months old, had to have his forearm and elbow removed, leaving him with just his shoulder and upper left arm. The little guy suffered from vomiting throughout the horrific ordeal.

Related: A Mother's Nightmare As Twin Newborn Girls are Diagnosed with Cancer Just Three Days Apart: How They Made It Through

Thankfully, the worst is over with, and Luke will be okay.

“When I look at him, I just see a happy, fat little baby,” Grace said of her adorable son, who is now ten months old. “It's unbelievable how good he is doing considering everything he's been through.”

Grace takes comfort in knowing that Luke will have no recollection for what he endured. Fortunately and unfortunately, having one arm will be the only things he knows.

“He can do anything. He will be able to do anything. We will never treat him like he can't, and he'll be fine,” the hopeful mom shared, thankful that her son survived, which is what counts despite any issues down the road with his disability.

“Keeping a positive outlook, even when there just doesn't seem to be anything positive about it, you just have to keep going,” Grace said.

Stay Positive, It Matters

The family is overjoyed that Luke’s recent scans came back clear, and they will have to follow up with more scans in January.

“We are so thankful that God has given us the opportunity to be this little boy’s parents,” they shared on their Facebook page dedicated to their brave little warrior, called The Adventures of Luke.

What Is Childhood Rhabdomyosarcoma?

Childhood rhabdomyosarcoma is a disease in which malignant (cancerous) cells form in muscle tissue. Symptoms of the disease can vary, but it's always important to bring your child to the doctor if any changes to their health occur. Possible signs of childhood rhabdomyosarcoma can include:

• A lump or swelling that keeps getting bigger or does not go away
• Crossed eyes or bulging of the eye
• Headache
• Trouble urinating or having bowel movements
• Blood in the urine
• Bleeding in the nose, throat, vagina, or rectum

Caring for a Child with Cancer

Navigating a child's cancer diagnosis can be incredibly tricky something Jayne Wexler knows all too well. She had to fill the roles of parent and cancer caregiver when her son, Justice, was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Thankfully, he has since recovered

In a previous interview with SurvivorNet, Wexler explained how she managed to be a mother and a caregiver all at once.

"Being a caregiver is a huge job," Wexler said. "Fortunately, my husband and family were very supportive … it's really hard to see your child go through this. If it could be me, I would take it in a second. You just go on auto-pilot and you just do what you have to do."

But that doesn't mean it was always easy. Wexler admitted that as a parent caring for a child with the disease, you don't have a lot of time to sit down and deal with your own emotions.

The Impact of a Childhood Cancer Diagnosis on the Whole Family

"You don't have that much time for yourself," Wexler said. "I try to stay strong, but then sometimes you just want to go and cry, and you need to cry… it's good to cry."

The survival rate for children with cancer has improved over the past few decades, but pediatric cancer is still an incredibly hard thing for a family to go through. In her own caregiving experience, Wexler found therapy to be a great way to process everything happening to her family.

Bottom line, don’t be afraid to ask for help.

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