It began with a routine school physical for 12-year-old David Stim on June 17, 2014. What was expected to be a simple check-up turned into a journey of uncertainty when the nurse practitioner noticed an enlarged lymph node on the right side of his neck. In pediatrics, such findings are often attributed to minor reactions, and with David’s recent strep throat treatment, initial concerns were minimal. This marked the start of David’s lymphoma diagnosis story, a tale that underscores the importance of parental intuition and persistent investigation, particularly when it comes to a child’s neck swelling and potential lymphoma.
The summer months passed without any noticeable change in the node’s size. By October, when David was treated for an upper respiratory infection, the enlarged lymph node was still present. Again, the pediatrician considered it a likely reaction to the recent infection. However, to err on the side of caution, blood work and a chest x-ray were recommended after the infection cleared to rule out more serious conditions, including leukemia. The family was relieved when the tests came back clear, offering no indication of leukemia. They carried on with their lives, grateful for David’s seemingly good health, despite the unexplained enlarged node.
Alt text: David Stim, a young lymphoma survivor, smiling confidently, representing hope and resilience after a childhood lymphoma diagnosis.
Yet, David’s mother, a registered nurse, felt uneasy. Trusting her instincts, she sought further opinions, starting with David’s dentist to eliminate any dental issues like an abscessed tooth. The dental check-up was negative. Subsequently, David was referred to a pediatric surgeon for a thorough evaluation and possible biopsy. Initially, the surgeon suspected the neck swelling might be due to an enlarged salivary gland and ordered a CT scan and ultrasound. These tests also yielded negative results, leading to the recommendation of a biopsy.
The prospect of a biopsy, requiring general anesthesia and being a delicate procedure near vital neck structures, had initially been daunting for David’s family. However, the surgeon’s words during a phone consultation resonated deeply with David’s mother: “it is probably best, at this point, to go ahead with the biopsy just to rule out any very remote possibility that this is something serious like lymphoma.” This moment was pivotal in David’s lymphoma diagnosis story, pushing them towards definitive answers.
On December 5, 2014, David underwent an excisional biopsy of his right deep posterior cervical lymph node. The waiting period for the results felt long and anxious. The diagnosis, when it arrived, was unexpected and life-altering: Hodgkin lymphoma. David vividly remembers the day he received the news: “I was upstairs doing my homework, and the doctor called. My dad is a nephrologist, and was able to look up my biopsy results himself. He already knew.” This marked the beginning of a new chapter in David’s life, one filled with challenges but also immense resilience.
Four days after Christmas, David commenced chemotherapy at Lurie Children’s Hospital/Clinics at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield. He underwent an intermediate risk protocol involving four 21-day cycles of chemotherapy. David, known for his unwavering spirit, faced his cancer battle with remarkable strength over four months. His mother, granted leave from her school nurse job, remained his constant support. The chemotherapy proved successful, and on April 27, 2014, a PET scan confirmed David’s complete remission.
Alt text: David Stim, a talented young musician, playing the violin with passion, showcasing his life beyond lymphoma and his dedication to music.
Reflecting on his remission, David shared a sentiment many cancer survivors understand: “I was overjoyed. I wasn’t as overjoyed as I should have been because I had this sense that what if it comes back. I feel like that will always be in the back of my mind.” Now 13 and cancer-free, David looks back on his journey with maturity and optimism. Recalling the initial diagnosis, he says, “at first, it didn’t affect me much; I just thought it’d be a little thing — I didn’t think it’d be too big of a deal. I was sad and shocked and I didn’t expect it.”
Despite the shock, David was determined to live his life as normally as possible. He continued attending school and engaging with his classmates whenever his health permitted. David’s message is one of hope and perseverance: “Know that eventually the suffering will be over. If your life goes down, it will always go back up.”
David’s story serves as a powerful reminder of hope for anyone facing adversity. Now a teenager, David is thriving – excelling in seventh grade, achieving A grades, and enjoying baseball, tennis, and longboarding. Beyond sports, he is a gifted musician, playing the violin in his school orchestra and even contributing to their first-place win at a state competition shortly after a hospital stay.
David’s mother offers valuable advice for parents navigating challenging diagnoses: “Follow your gut instincts, and never give up searching for answers if something doesn’t seem right. Be your child’s own best advocate by educating yourself.” Emphasizing the importance of regular pediatric wellness exams, she is grateful for the early attention to David’s health.
Today, David is the Light The Night Honored Hero for Rockford, Illinois, sharing his lymphoma diagnosis story to inspire others. His journey, starting with a seemingly simple enlarged lymph node in his neck, illustrates the critical role of attentive medical care, parental advocacy, and the unwavering spirit of a child facing lymphoma. His story is a beacon of hope for families navigating similar paths in pediatric lymphoma diagnosis.
