At Duke there is Hope

Family Scrapbook | I'm Doing Really Well Now by Rachel Eatmon

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Rachel Eatmon (right) celebrates her Bat  Mitzvah with her mother, Kate, and brother, Adam.

"Rachel was diagnosed in September of 1989 with grade IV, non-metastasized medulloblastoma. She was 4 years and 4 months old. She underwent aggressive surgery, radiation and chemotherapy and I was warned that she would exhibit severe learning problems and lowered IQ. As soon as she entered kindergarten, I pushed for special services in the public schools. Because of her hearing impairment and learning differences, she was placed in a separate class for students with learning disabilities from 4th to 7th grades, but this year was mainstreamed in 8th grade. Despite a rocky start, she has adjusted well and is doing exceptional work. I attribute her success to strong advocacy on my part and determination and persistence on her part. She has always been resilient and works hard. (Introduction by Kate Eatmon, Rachel’s Mom)

"Before I was diagnosed with brain cancer at four, I was an average kid. When I received the diagnosis I was placed in the hospital. I was just doing fun stuff—playing Nintendo and playing in the play room. I had no idea what was going on while my parents were crying their heads off. I had IV’s, needles, blood tests, and finger sticks all the time. I never cried because I was used to it. They said I did better than most adults. 

"I had an operation on my brain to get the cancer out. They got it out and I’ve been cancer free for nine years so far. I had radiation and chemotherapy; they made my hair fall out. That’s why I have bald spots. I received strong portions of radiation in those spots. The hair will not ever come back.

"This disease affected my grades for a short time. I received some C’s and D’s when I first started school again. Now all I get are A’s and B’s on my report cards. I said that I was an average kid before I had cancer and I started out with bad grades when I returned to school but now I’m being pulled back in to that place again where I was to begin with. I’m doing better than many kids I know. I’m even doing a little bit better than my best friend. I would be on the A honor roll if I didn’t have one B.

"So to make this a little more clear, I had cancer that damaged my learning cells and now I’m back to being the average kid I was again. I’m actually performing above average and I am getting excellent grades on my report cards, too. I’m doing really well now."

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