A Family’s Focus: Dylan’s Fight Against Osteosarcoma

“We come from a very tight-knit family,” says Dylan’s mother, Maria Sanchez. Dylan enjoys spending time with his cousins, going on family trips, watching movies together, and simply being surrounded by loved ones.

They never imagined becoming even closer. That changed when Dylan was diagnosed with osteosarcoma.

Navigating an Osteosarcoma Diagnosis

In March 2024, Dylan was 19 years old and in his second year of college when he began experiencing persistent pain in his knee. For more than a month, Dylan limped noticeably, struggling even to rise from the dinner table. At first, he assumed it was a minor strain from the gym, something that would heal on its own.

When the pain didn’t improve, his doctor ordered an X-ray. The news came swiftly: It appeared to be cancer.

Maria and her husband, Stewart, were not sure how much Dylan grasped in the whirlwind of appointments and tests. When the doctor confirmed the diagnosis, Dylan responded quietly: “OK.”

His parents exchanged a glance that said everything: They could not fall apart. They had to stay strong for him.

Dylan’s doctor referred him to the oncology team at Cedars-Sinai Samuel Oschin Cancer Center in Los Angeles. He was placed on crutches to keep weight off the tumor and reduce the risk of metastasis.

Moving Through Cancer Treatment

Dylan began his osteosarcoma treatment journey with the MAP chemotherapy protocol, followed by surgery to remove the tumor.

“Early on, his body was in shock,” Maria says. “The first treatment was very difficult. He became neutropenic and was hospitalized for more than a week.”

Due to complications, Dylan completed just two cycles before undergoing surgery in August. The surgical outcome was cautiously positive. About 70 to 75 percent of the tumor was successfully killed by chemotherapy, and while the margins around the removed tumor were not entirely clear, they appeared normal under the microscope. It was an encouraging result.

After surgery, Dylan resumed and completed his MAP cycles. His oncologist then added three additional rounds of a different chemotherapy. “It was intense,” Maria says. “Five days a week, nonstop.”

The final stretch of treatment was demanding, both physically and emotionally. But Dylan made it through. Now, with active treatment behind him, Dylan will return for scans and X-rays every three months.

Family First

Throughout the challenges of the past year, Dylan’s family has been his foundation.

The osteosarcoma diagnosis sent shockwaves through the entire family. “But our family showed up. During his hospital stays, the room was always full,” Maria says. “Everyone was scared but also incredibly supportive.”

Maria found strength in her family and in her faith.

“As a parent of a young adult diagnosed with osteosarcoma, I had to learn to let him lead, to give him grace,” she says. “Fear can take over. But when I finally let go and put it all in God’s hands, I could breathe again.”

Looking Ahead

As Dylan recovers, he remains focused on the future. He hopes to return to school and work and resume the life that was put on hold.

“He’s a very check-it-off-the-list kind of person,” Maria says. “Now he is saying, ‘OK. Done. What is next?’”

That next chapter includes physical therapy and more time with family, including travel and get-togethers. “I admire him because of his approach,” Maria says. “He is very brave.”

Inspired by Dylan’s cancer journey, Maria is also looking to give back. She hopes to organize a blood drive and raise awareness about osteosarcoma through a local walk or event. “Dylan received so many blood and platelet transfusions,” she says. It feels like a meaningful way to honor that experience and help others in need.