After about six months, a CAT scan recommended by Farmington rheumatologist Suzanne Grey finally unveiled the real culprit, a rare bone cancer called Ewing s sarcoma that had invaded Sarah s right hip. The disease, named after the doctor who first described it in 1921, hits only about 150 people in the United States each year. The majority of victims are white boys early in their teen-age years. The cancer usually affects the long bones, such as those in the legs or arms, as well as the hip. In a few cases, the same type of cancer can occur in soft tissues.
Researchers have little idea what causes it.
But once it s suspected, doctors jump on it fast. May 17, the Shanks had Sarah admitted to The Children s Hospital in Denver, one of the national centers for treating cancer in children. It was very impressive. It was just like clockwork. But while all of Sarah s 15 doctors, nurses and other specialists showed skill, compassion and understanding, he said, the sudden change in the Shanks lives was a bit much.