During an emotional conversation on The Checkup With Dr. David Agus, Nick Cannon opened up about the death of his 5-month old son, Zen, who he shared with Alyssa Scott.
For those who don’t remember, Zen tragically passed away after doctors discovered he had a brain tumor back in December 2021. Both Nick and Alyssa decided they didn’t want their son to go through chemotherapy.
And now Nick is explaining why:
Seeing your son hooked up to all of those machines — and he had to go for a shunt two or three times, and that was heartbreaking every time — even in that short amount of time, I couldn’t imagine him having to go through chemo.
He also added that doctors informed him that chemo would “not really” extend Zen’s life or decrease his suffering.
From that point, they pretty much told me that best case scenario, your son could live to 3 or 4 years old. So, instantly when I heard that, I thought quality of life. I wanted him to have the best experience he could have.
Nick has first-hand experience with chemo. He was treated with chemotherapy in an attempt to help his Lupus symptoms.
I knew how as a full-grown man, that process … my hair was falling out. I wouldn’t even call it pain; it just sucked everything out of you. I couldn’t imagine that on a newborn and what that would do.
Such a difficult decision to make. I don’t think you can judge one way or the other. We all do what we think is best.
It’s worth noting that Alyssa and Nick are now expecting their second child together, and the due date is fast approaching later this month.
