In the summer of 2024, a small bump on 12-year-old Eduardo’s neck caught the attention of his family. They decided to visit Nemours Children’s, a healthcare institution that had been a trusted part of their family for over a decade. “My kids have been a part of the Nemours family since they were born, and we’re very thankful for all the professionals who have cared for them,” his mother, Vanessa says.
Upon their visit, the medical team at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Florida conducted a thorough examination, including an ultrasound, a CT scan, and a biopsy. Eduardo was diagnosed with a benign tumor in his parotid gland. While the term “benign” offered some relief, the diagnosis itself was a significant concern to the family. “We were very worried and spent a lot of time doing research online, which only scared us more than it relaxed us,” Vanessa admits. Despite the anxiety, the family found comfort in the expertise at Nemours.
Eduardo’s otolaryngologist, Dr. Cervantes, played a crucial role in guiding the family through this challenging time. He provided insights into the nature of the tumor and the treatment options. “Dr. Cervantes is very knowledgeable, and we felt confident in his skills to treat our child,” Vanessa shared. After discussions with the care team, it was determined that surgery would be needed to remove the tumor.
The day of the surgery was a critical moment for Eduardo and his family. They were understandably anxious, but the Nemours staff went above and beyond to ensure they felt supported every step of the way. “All the staff was very caring and eager to explain to us all the procedures,” Vanessa recalled. The hospital’s commitment to transparency and communication was evident in the text messages they received during the surgery, providing almost step-by-step updates on Eduardo’s progress. “It brought us comfort and relief knowing he was in great hands,” she adds.
In addition to Dr. Cervantes, the Nemours Ear, Nose, and Throat and Interventional Radiology teams played crucial roles in Eduardo’s treatment. This multidisciplinary approach not only addressed the immediate need to remove the tumor but also laid the foundation for a comprehensive recovery plan. The collaboration between these teams was instrumental in Eduardo’s journey toward healing.
“It was an honor to care for Eduardo and his family during this challenging time; he is an exceptional young man,” shares Dr. Cervantes. “Parotid surgery is challenging due to the delicate facial nerve which runs directly through the gland. However, with meticulous surgical technique and extensive experience, our team transforms high risk procedures into routine successes with predictable, positive outcomes for our young patients.”
Just two weeks after surgery, Eduardo was back on the soccer field and in the Taekwondo studio, his favorite sports. The family’s journey didn’t end with Eduardo’s initial treatment; regular check-ups are still a part of their routine, but the future looks bright and full of possibilities. Nemours continued to be a pillar of support, checking in on Eduardo’s progress and ensuring that he was on the right path to a full recovery.
Vanessa’s experience has given her this advice to share with other parents facing similar challenges, “Make sure your kid does all the tests required, learn about what’s going on and don’t transfer your fear to your child.”
As Eduardo continues to thrive, his journey serves as a reminder that with the right care and a determined spirit, the future can indeed be limitless.
