Jump to content

Choose locationChoose Location
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location

We've expanded your view

You are now viewing all services in the Sutter Health network. You can change your location above to narrow your view to a medical group, hospital, city or zip.
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Diseases & Conditions
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Patient Stories
  • Girl Defeats Stage 4 Kidney Cancer
Content

PATIENT STORIES Girl Defeats Stage 4 Kidney Cancer

Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento

Sutter Medical Foundation

"Your daughter has cancer." Those words are devastating for any parent to hear, but especially so when your daughter is just 9 years old. In June 2006, that was the grim news Stephanie Stevens struggled to absorb just days after her seemingly healthy fourth-grade daughter Sydney complained of a painful side-ache.

I had complete confidence in the doctors. The Sutter Health team was great.

After running numerous tests on Sydney, her doctors found a softball-sized cancerous tumor on her kidney. Further testing revealed that the cancer was "stage 4" and had spread to her lungs and into the main vein in her body, just an inch from her heart. Sydney was immediately admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit of Sutter Medical Center, Sacramento—and an aggressive battle to beat the disease began.

Before it was over, Sydney would face three surgeries and multiple rounds of chemotherapy and radiation treatment. "Ask anyone — it's amazing. Never once did Sydney complain. Never once did she make it more difficult or cry. She was such a champ," Stephanie Stevens says.

No fourth grader should have to face losing her hair, but Sydney took it in stride. "I lost all of it," Sydney says. "So much was coming out that we decided to shave my head. So my grandpa and dad shaved their heads too."

All through her treatment, the comforting presence of golden labradors Hazel and Millie — Sutter Health's therapy dogs — were a bright spot for Sydney, who says, "I remember a lot of bad things, but I remember good things too, like visiting with Millie at the hospital. Millie helped me learn to walk again after surgery. They even let me paint her toenails."

Stephanie Stevens says, "I had complete confidence in the doctors. The Sutter Health team was great with everyone in our family. Their support made a terrible situation much more bearable." She adds, "If I could say one thing to the people who cared for my daughter, it would be 'thank you' — not just for doing your job, but for truly caring about my daughter and giving her the best care as lovingly as if she were your own child."

Sacramento cancer specialist YiSheng Lee, M.D., diagnosed Sydney and guided her treatment. He says, "Sydney was a brave girl throughout her diagnosis and treatment. Her wisdom and humor often delighted and surprised us. Her parents were also extremely supportive, and the teamwork between her providers and her family was seamless."

Today Sydney is happily enjoying gymnastics, soccer and art classes. "The doctors and nurses at Sutter saved my life so I can run around and play like a regular kid," Sydney says.

Related Stories

Women Recall Top-Notch Cancer Treatment

Cancer patients Eunice and Amy, along with Karen Harrington, M.D., discuss PAMF's commitment to quality care.

Navigating Breast Cancer

Comprehensive treatment and support gives young woman her life back.

Prostate Cancer Patient Supports Others Fighting Disease

After receiving cancer treatment at Sutter Health, a Vacaville man shares his positive outlook on life with fellow cancer patients.

Walking Toward Recovery After Lung Cancer

Sutter Health patient Bob Murphy describes how a clinical trial helped change his life while battling lung cancer.

Three Cancer Patients, Three Great Experiences at Mills-Peninsula

Three women explain why choosing Mills-Peninsula as the place to treat their cancer was most definitely the right choice.

See all Patient Stories

Disclaimer

Each individual’s treatment and/or results may vary based upon circumstances and the healthcare provider’s medical judgment. Testimonials or statements made by any person(s) within this site are not intended to guarantee outcomes or substitute for medical advice.

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Flu Resources
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2021 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences

    Privacy Policy Cookie Preferences