Parents Face Unimaginable Diagnosis After Newborn’s Swollen Arm Leads to Rare Cancer Discovery
A Joyful Birth Followed by Immediate Concern
The birth of a child is often marked by relief, celebration, and the beginning of a long-awaited chapter for new parents.
For one family, that moment began with what appeared to be a smooth and uncomplicated pregnancy, followed by the arrival of their son, Luke, on December 9, 2021.
Initially, the experience mirrored the expectations of a routine delivery, with nurses placing the newborn on his mother’s chest shortly after birth.
However, the sequence of events quickly shifted when hospital staff took the baby away moments later under the explanation that they needed to clean him.
Within a short time, a nurse returned with a concerning observation, noting that the baby’s arm appeared swollen.
Early Medical Uncertainty and Conflicting Opinions
Medical staff reassured the parents not to worry while suggesting the swelling may have resulted from the birth process.
One possibility presented was that the arm could have been injured during delivery.
Despite these reassurances, additional evaluations were scheduled, including X-rays and consultations with multiple doctors throughout the day.
The differing opinions from medical professionals created an atmosphere of uncertainty and emotional strain.
Some explanations ranged from structural disconnection in the arm to vascular concerns, but no definitive answer was provided at that stage.
An Unexpected Transfer to Specialized Care
By mid-afternoon, the situation escalated when a doctor informed the family that Luke would be transferred to UAB NICU within approximately twenty minutes.
At the same time, his mother was required to remain at St. Vincent’s for observation for 24 hours following childbirth.
This development meant that Riley, the baby’s father, would accompany the newborn to the NICU while the mother stayed behind recovering.
The emotional impact of being separated from her newborn just hours after giving birth was profound and deeply distressing.
While at UAB, medical teams conducted extensive testing, including MRI scans, ultrasounds, and additional X-rays, in an effort to determine the cause of the swelling.
Testing Without Immediate Answers
Despite multiple diagnostic procedures, doctors were still unable to provide a clear explanation for the mass on Luke’s arm.
Speculation continued, but solid answers remained elusive, leaving the family in a state of prolonged anxiety.
On Saturday morning, the family was transferred to the Children’s NICU for continued evaluation and monitoring.
Medical staff informed them that a biopsy of the mass would be required and scheduled for Monday under anesthesia.
In the meantime, they were encouraged to spend time with their newborn in the NICU while awaiting the procedure.
An Emotional Blur Inside the NICU
The NICU stay became a period defined by uncertainty, hope, and emotional exhaustion.
Days passed in a blur as the family remained focused on Luke’s condition and upcoming medical decisions.
The biopsy was successfully completed, but the results were not immediately available, extending the period of waiting and concern.
Each hour without answers intensified the emotional weight of the situation.
For the parents, the experience became a deeply personal test of resilience during an already vulnerable time.
Preliminary Results Reveal a Serious Diagnosis
On Tuesday, Dr. Johnston, the oncologist overseeing Luke’s case, entered the room with preliminary biopsy findings.
The results indicated that the mass appeared to be a cancerous tumor.
This revelation marked a turning point in the family’s experience, transforming initial uncertainty into a confirmed medical crisis.
Following the consultation, Luke was discharged and sent home with plans for outpatient follow-up care.
The emotional impact of receiving such news so soon after welcoming a newborn was overwhelming.
Confirmation of Rhabdomyosarcoma
During a follow-up appointment that Friday, Dr. Johnston provided a definitive diagnosis.
Luke was confirmed to have a rhabdomyosarcoma tumor located on his arm.
Medical professionals explained that the cancer could potentially be genetic but was most likely the result of a random mutation.
Importantly, the family was reassured that nothing during the pregnancy could have prevented the condition.
The recommended treatment plan included both amputation and chemotherapy as the most effective course of action.
Surgical Consultation and Treatment Challenges
The following Monday, the family met with Dr. Kadchinski, the orthopedic surgeon, to discuss surgical options.
The surgeon explained that the tumor was growing around and between the bones in the arm, causing separation of the bone structures.
This growth pattern made it impossible to remove the tumor completely while preserving a functional arm.
Medical experts determined that amputation would be necessary to ensure the best chance of eliminating the cancer.
The remaining uncertainty centered on whether the amputation could occur at the elbow or would need to be performed at the shoulder.
Evaluating the Spread of Cancer
A CT scan was conducted the following Wednesday to determine whether the cancer had spread beyond Luke’s arm.
Later that day, the family met again with Dr. Johnston and Dr. Kadchinski to review the scan results.
Fortunately, the findings showed that the cancer had not spread and remained localized to the arm.
This outcome provided a critical sense of relief and allowed the medical team to move forward with a targeted treatment strategy.
The plan involved two cycles of chemotherapy followed by reassessment of the tumor’s size.
Chemotherapy and Monitoring Progress
The initial chemotherapy cycles were designed to shrink the tumor and potentially allow amputation at the elbow rather than the shoulder.
This approach aimed to maximize long-term outcomes while minimizing the physical impact of surgery.
Doctors explained that after surgery, additional cycles of chemotherapy would be necessary to eliminate any remaining cancerous cells.
The treatment process required ongoing scans and close medical supervision to track progress.
Every stage of the treatment was carefully structured to prioritize Luke’s long-term health and recovery.
Encouraging Yet Measured Medical Updates
On February 7, 2022, when Luke was nearly two months old, additional scans including MRI, CT, and PET imaging were performed.
The results brought encouraging news as the tumor had shrunk and the cancer still had not spread further.
However, doctors concluded that the tumor was not yet small enough to proceed with amputation at that time.
The medical team recommended two more cycles of chemotherapy over an additional six-week period.
After that, amputation would proceed regardless of further shrinkage to ensure the cancer was fully addressed.
Balancing Hope and Medical Reality
Doctors indicated that amputation at the elbow was technically possible at that stage.
However, proceeding too early carried a high risk of leaving behind cancerous cells, which could lead to more serious complications in the future.
This careful evaluation reflected a long-term strategy focused on eliminating the disease as thoroughly as possible.
Although the delay in surgery was emotionally difficult, the family placed trust in the medical team’s guidance.
The consistent reduction in tumor size and lack of spread offered reassurance during the ongoing treatment process.
The Emotional Journey of a Family in Crisis
Throughout the experience, the family navigated a complex range of emotions, including fear, hope, and determination.
The NICU experience, the diagnosis, and the treatment plan all unfolded within a short and intense timeline following Luke’s birth.
Despite the overwhelming nature of the situation, the parents remained focused on their child’s recovery and future.
The presence of ongoing medical care and professional support played a significant role in sustaining their optimism.
Each positive update regarding tumor response became a source of strength and encouragement.
Continuing Treatment and Looking Ahead
At the time of the latest update, Luke was in his final pre-surgery chemotherapy cycle.
Following the planned amputation, doctors projected an additional two to four cycles of chemotherapy, lasting approximately six to twelve weeks.
This extended treatment plan was designed to ensure that any remaining cancer cells would be fully eliminated.
The structured approach emphasized both immediate medical intervention and long-term monitoring.
The family expressed gratitude that the tumor continued to respond to treatment and that the cancer had not spread.
A Mother’s Words Capture the Experience
“After a perfect pregnancy, Luke was born on December 9, 2021. The nurses put him on my chest, and then immediately took him away ‘to clean him.’ A nurse then told me not to worry but his arm was swollen. They said it probably broke on his way out. They gave him back to me, and Riley and I held him and soaked in the moment. Shortly later, they came in to do X-rays. We met with several different doctors with several different opinions (ranging from ‘The lower arm isn’t connected to the elbow’ to ‘It’s a cluster of veins’) during the day.
Around 3 p.m., a doctor came in and told us Luke was being transferred to UAB NICU in about 20 minutes, but I had to stay at St. Vincent’s for observation for 24 hours. Obviously, this meant Riley would be going with Luke and I’d be staying alone, just a few hours after having my baby. This was the second-worst moment of my life. While at UAB, they did several tests—MRI, ultrasounds, and more X-rays. They speculated but still didn’t have any solid answers for us.
On Saturday morning, we were transferred to the Children’s NICU and told they were going to do a biopsy of the mass that would require anesthesia on Monday—but for us to just enjoy our weekend with him in the NICU while we wait. Our NICU stay was a blur looking back at it, but I remember praying a thousand times for God to please just give me the chance to be this little boy’s mom. The biopsy went well, but we didn’t receive any results the same day.
On Tuesday, Dr. Johnston, the oncologist, walked in to give us the preliminary biopsy results. She told us the mass appeared to be a cancerous tumor. We were discharged and sent home to follow up outpatient. This was the worst moment of my life. We followed up on Friday. Dr. Johnston told us Luke had a rhabdomyosarcoma tumor on his arm. The cancer could be genetic, but most likely it is a random mutation—she emphasized I couldn’t have changed anything during my pregnancy to prevent this. The best treatment would be amputation and chemotherapy.
The following Monday we met with Dr. Kadchinski, the orthopedic surgeon. She explained why an amputation would be necessary, ‘The tumor is growing all around and between the bones, resulting in the bones being separated.’ It would be impossible to remove all of the tumor and leave behind a functioning arm. The only question would be if it could be taken at the elbow or if it would have to be taken at the shoulder. In growing children, amputations need to happen at growth plates (the joints).
The following Wednesday, we went for a CT scan to see if the cancer had spread outside of Luke’s arm. We met with Dr. Johnston and Dr. K in the afternoon to go over the results. Fortunately, the cancer had not spread and is localized to his arm. The plan was for Luke to do two cycles of chemo and then check the tumor’s size. Hopefully, chemo would shrink the tumor enough so the arm can be removed at the elbow. They would do surgery and then we would do a few more cycles of chemo.
On February 7, 2022, we went back for Luke’s scans (MRI, CT, PET). He was almost two months old. We received news! The cancer still had not spread further and the tumor was smaller. However, it was not quite small enough to do the amputation at this time. We would do two more cycles of chemo—total of six more weeks—and then the amputation regardless. They could potentially amputate at the elbow now, but there would be a high risk of not getting all of the cancerous cells, which could lead to more trouble down the road.
We were slightly bummed we couldn’t move forward yet, but we trust the doctors are guiding us to the best decision for Luke’s long-term success. We are so thankful the tumor is responding to the chemo and shrinking, and the cancer isn’t spreading. We are currently in our last pre-surgery cycle. After the amputation, we will be looking at two to four cycles—six to twelve weeks—of chemo, and then hopefully, finally have a cancer-free baby.”
Hope Rooted in Medical Progress
Despite the challenges, the consistent medical updates showing tumor reduction and lack of spread have remained a source of hope.
The treatment journey continues to be guided by careful clinical planning and expert evaluation.
For the family, the path forward is defined by ongoing treatment, resilience, and the expectation of recovery.
The experience underscores both the unpredictability of rare diagnoses and the importance of early intervention.
As treatment progresses, the focus remains firmly on achieving the ultimate goal of a cancer-free future for their child.