Oskar Lindblom, 23, joined the Flyers team photo, as he continues treatment for Ewing’s Sarcoma. “The guy never stops smiling,” said teammate Matt Naskanen. “He was like that obviously before he got the news, and hasn't changed.”
Read More- Pain and/or swelling, usually in the arms, legs, chest, back, or pelvis.
- A lump (which may feel soft and warm) in the arms, legs, chest, or pelvis.
- Fever for no known reason.
- A bone that breaks for no known reason.
View this post on InstagramLots of reasons to smile at picture day. Here's the best one. #OskarStrong
“He’s a Huge Part of This Team”
Flyers’ head coach, Alain Vigneault offered NBC Sports, the first health update since Lindblom began treatment. “I know the doctors are thrilled; the treatments have gone as well as they can go,” he reported. “I guess out of respect for Oskar, I wouldn’t say much more. He still has a long way to go but … everything’s going even better than planned … Oskar’s optimistic. Good reports. But he still has a long way to go.”
“It was great having Oskar in the team picture today,” Vergeault added. “What would be a team picture without that smile?”
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“He’s Going Through A Battle”
With nine straight wins, the 2019-20 Flyers are fighting for first place in the Metropolitan Division. As they rally behind Lindblom, the team bond has deepened. “Obviously we want to win,” player Kevin Hayes told NBC Sports, “but hockey is an extreme lower level … compared to cancer. He’s going through a battle and … he just brings a bunch of energy to this room.”
Treatment for Ewing's Sarcoma
Treatment for Ewing's sarcoma may involve a combination of chemotherapy and radiation. Afterward, surgery may be necessary to remove any remaining cancer, according to the National Cancer Institute.
Prognosis and treatment depend on certain factors, such as whether the cancer has spread, whether it began in the bones or soft tissues, and the tumor’s size at the time of diagnosis. If caught early, in a localized stage, the five-year survival rate for Ewing's sarcoma is around 83%, according to the American Cancer Society. However, neither the Flyers nor Lindblom has commented on the location of his cancer, whether or not it had spread, or what treatment plan he is pursuing.
Philly Loves Lindblom
Before his diagnosis, Lindblom was tied as team scoring lead with 11 goals and seven assists over 30 games, according to CBS Philly. Ever since his diagnosis was announced, fans have rallied for Lindblom, sending the native of Sweden well-wishes and prayers in his cancer battle. Fellow Philadelphia sports teams even took to social media to send Lindblom love.
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