PRYOR, Okla. — A Green Country teenager is still coming to grips with a life-changing diagnosis.
Javon Blake had blood work done on December 17th while he recovered from the Coronavirus. He had lumps in his throat causing him pain when eating or swallowing.
On December 18th, he got a phone call from his parents saying they were coming to pick him up and take him to the hospital. He had more lab work done and eventually a doctor diagnosed him with Acute Myeloid Leukemia, a blood disease formed from his bone marrow.
Javon is a member of the leadership team at Pryor High School, a football player, and wrestler for the Pryor Tigers.
He told 2 Works for You, “everybody just started blowing up my phone after they found out and were like, 'What’s going on? What happened?' because they found out and I told them. Then I looked it up and realized Saturday morning, I think it was that moment I realized maybe this was a little bit more serious than what I originally thought.”
Javon and his father, Robert O'Canas, drove to Memphis Friiday night, where he was admitted to St. Jude's Hospital.
“They’re trying to get him on to a trial because they want to do an aggressive treatment with him,” his father said.
Doctors describe this as an aggressive chemotherapy treatment, and expect him to be there at least two months.
“It’s still just not real to me because I feel like I should be at home or going to practice,” Javon said.
The next step is a bone marrow test and spinal tap, then Javon said he'll undergo the chemotherapy sessions. He admits he's not prepared having to march into the unknown, but he's not afraid he knows he's not alone.
Doctors told Javon and his dad if he responds well to the treatment, he can move back home after two months and be treated at Saint Francis in Tulsa.
St. Jude's Hospital is covering Javon's treatment costs, but a GoFundMe is set up for other expenses. For more information click here.
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