Rest In Peace, Little Jaymie

“Let children walk with Nature, let them see the beautiful blending and communions of death and life, their joyous inseparable unity, as taught in woods and meadows, plains and mountains and streams of our blessed star, and they will learn that death is sting-less indeed, and as beautiful as life.” -John Muir

Quite ironic that the last article I wrote was about constipation. I went to a wake last night, Jaymie’s. She is my grade school classmate’s daughter. She was only 2 years and 3 months old. She suffered from cancer of the anus stage 4. They never expected it’ll be that quick and outrageous. In a span of two weeks, the lump which stated as a small cyst had grown 5 times bigger! Even chemotherapy can’t guarantee their baby’s chance of survival.

I’ve done a little research about anal cancer. It may seem unusual but yes, it exists. Unfortunately this rare type of cancer poses an imminent threat to babies since they don’t usually complain about pain or discomfort. Babies have a tendency to “overlook” a discomfort because they are busy exploring the world. In addition to that, unless we notice a lump or something unusual about his eating, sleeping, playing and even pooping habits, we wouldn’t really know that something is wrong with them.

Cancer of the anus, like any other cancer is a condition which abnormal cells divide without control and are able to invade other tissues. This type of cancer is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the tissues of the anus. Jaymie’s cancer started as a small cyst near her anus and the two specialists they consulted agreed it was benign. At first, they even suspected it to be hemorrhoids since she was also complaining of constipation just a few days ago. She complained about having stomach ache at night but would go playing during daytime. Until one day, she had fever and tests revealed she had infection. Further tests, including the CT-scan confirmed the cyst grew faster and bigger. She was supposed to be treated with chemotherapy however, she developed complications and the infection was still there. Even though treated with chemotherapy, the doctors did not assure them her chances of survival. The cancer already reached her liver spreading further in to her other organs. Her organs failed in a matter of days. She was put on a ventilator a day before she gave in to death. I have kids and I know how painful it is to see your baby suffer from even just a fever – it must have been worst seeing your only daughter bearing the cancer.

I know her angels will guide the way to heaven. She had been an angel while here on earth. Her life may be short but she’s been the life of her family. It’s always a tragedy losing someone you love but we all have to move one. Our prayers are with you, little Jaymie. Rest in peace.