Synthesis a Publication of UC Davis Cancer Center

Mind – Body – Spirit
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"The drugs he got interfere with DNA by breaking the strands or linking them together, preventing the cells from multiplying," explains Ducore. "Rapidly-dividing malignant cells are much more susceptible to these kinds of drugs than healthy ones, and healthy cells can also repair DNA damage easier."

Within days, the tumors had shrunk considerably, and the mass on Joe's jaw had receded. But cancer cells were still in his body. The next round of treatment would get rid of those, and at the same time, tax Joe's immune system to its maximum: two courses of 26 radiation therapy treatments and additional chemotherapy, spread out over six months.

When a family has a child with cancer, it tears at the very fabric of their everyday life. Plans change in a heartbeat. When this same family needs to drive long distances for care, they need help.

The Lynns did not have to go through their struggle alone. While relatives and members of their church help them at home, Joe's UC Davis oncology team worked with physicians in Carson City so that if he needed routine blood work or scans, he could have them done at home.