My 4 yr old son is newly dx with Leukemia ALL

[SoulShine75]

Hello. Please excuse the lenghty post.

Last week my 4 yr old son was dx with pre-B cell ALL, but has an excellent prognosis from all of the oncology doctors (they said he'd live to be an old man and that they wouldn't tell me that unless they felt certain). Our world has been turned upside down, but we are getting better each day. Tomorrow (Monday) he will be coming home after his 3rd treatment with chemotherapy (vincristine) and I am so excited. He's handling his treatments beautifully, by the way. After he leaves the hospital tomorrow all of his treatments will be outpatient. The children's hospital is located 2 hours away from our hometown and my husband made me go home to care for our 3 other kids and to start school. I am to graduate in December from my ADN program, but was reluctant to go back considering. The doctors, nurses and councelers have all encouraged me to return and I did on Friday after missing 4 days, but my heart and mind just wasn't there. I am slowly getting my spirits up and am focusing on the outcome, which will be good, I just know it. I guess I posted because I need some support and perhaps someone else here may understand or have been through something similar? I don't want medical advice, just some words of encouragement. I have been given so much info that my head is swimming at this point.

Friday, Andrew Baldwin from last season's The Bachelor came to visit Aidan...the day I went to school...and he made Aidan an honorary sailor with the US Navy. It was really sweet. If you want to visit my blog you can see the photos and video by clicking on my profile. Sigh....I'm just overwhelmed...has anyone else been through something so trying while in nursing school? My final is on Halloween, if I can just get through that... 2 months...2 months.

[iwanna]

Just a quick not to say that I am sorry about your son. But, I am happy about his prognosis. I am sure it is tough going to school through all of this. But, you will be an RN soon. Yay!!!!

Thought and prayers are with you.

[SoulShine75]

I think you are handling this beautifully. And you certainly have a lot to grapple with. The doctors are right, you know. There's every reason to believe that everything is going to be OK. I know it's hard when your head is in a different place, but please don't give up on school now. You've just a little time left til graduation. It must seem insurmountable now, but your hard work and determination will be an inspiration for everyone.

I'm a cancer survivor (almost two years now) and there is nothing fair about any of it. But medical research is developing new treatments and modalities all the time. There is so much hope.

You and your son sound like awesome people; he (and you) will handle this like pros and before you know it, all of this will be a distant memory, and you'll be an RN. Many hugs to you both.

Don

Thank you Don. Congratulations on your recovery as well! Words of encouragement mean a lot and I thank you.

[SoulShine75]

Oh my, I am so sorry for what you are going through.

I haven't had any children go through a life-threatening illness, but I am battling cancer myself. It makes me so sad sometimes because I just love them so much.

But, it sounds like he has a GREAT prognosis, and that is great. I am glad he is handling his chemo well. I am going through chemo myself, so when I go tomorrow, I will think of him, okay? And I'll say a little prayer, too, if you don't mind.

My kids are just 5 and 6, and that adorable want-to-know-everything stage. One thing that this cancer of mine has put in perspective is my priorities and what I think is more important.

I would definately go to school and finish. It's only a few months more, and then you'll be done. If you were just beginning, perhaps I would say something different. But that's up to you. Do what you believe will benefit the family the best. Aidan will bounce back fast, children have that special quality in them. Just treat him as normally as you can, love him as you always have, and soon this will all be over. He'll be healed, and you'll be an RN.

I am glad he is handling chemo so well, cause that is the worst part for me. Take care, he will grow up to be a great young man because he has such a wonderful mom!!!!:balloons:

Your post brought tears to my eyes. I can feel your strong spirit through your words. I will say prayers for you as well, and your little ones. I bet it's hard to see their Mommy feel bad, but you will get better. Thank you...

[SoulShine75]

aidan is so, so precious.

i really enjoyed your blog, christy.

(and sailor boy was easy on the eyes, yes?)

the oncs would NEVER, ever tell you aidan's prognosis was excellent, unless they meant it.

he has quite the journey to take.

but he'll get there, thanks to you, dad and all who love him.

this is not the time to quit nsg school.

if aidan can fight, then so can you.

even if your son wasn't sick, you're at a point in school where you are naturally feeling exhausted.

it's when you're hardest hit, that you musn't quit.

please, i know what i speak of.

you're almost at the end of your journey.

aidan's is only beginning.

one day down the road, you can tell him that you wanted to quit....but you didn't.

that you fought with every oz of strength you had, to finish the job you started out doing.

not only today, but forever, aidan will rely on your faith & strength.

you need to show him and yourself, what you're made of.

and please, continue talking with God.

He will bring you through this.

again, i know what i speak of.

and He has never let me down.

heartfelt prayers to you and yours,

leslie

Tears, tears, tears. I really needed to hear this. I will keep this post forever...thank you.

[suzy253, RN]

Prayers and hugs being sent your way. I enjoyed your website. I'm so sorry you and your family are going through this. And wonderful advice, as usual, from Leslie as she does know of what she speaks.

Aidan will get through this and you will have your RN. One day at a time.

[SoulShine75]

This is a big THANK YOU to all who posted with their supportive words and prayers. Even though we've never met, I feel your kindness and who can ever ask for more than a little of that? For every kind word and prayer my family recieves I will send out one to someone else, it's the least I can do.

Aidan is coming home today...yay! I am so nervous! He will actually be in our care and I'm scared to death. I have cleaned the house so well you could perform surgery in here. There is Purell in every room and lysol too. If I could put him in a protective bubble I would. I will try and update my blog to let others know how Aidan is and I will also set up a special website just for him.

Once again...thank you all.

Christy

[madisan]

I just wanted to let you know that your son is in my thoughts and prayers. Many hugs and good wishes for him.

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

You're in my thoughts.

[bigsyis]

God bless you and Aidan, and the rest of your family. It is good to hear that his prognosis is so good.

[CRNI-ICU20]

oh, my heart goes out to you and your little son....you sound like such a good mom, and a great nurse to be....and yes, you should finish what you start.....

recently, i found this song by aretha franklin...one of my fav. gals....she's so powerful in her music....the words to this song really lifted me up....i hope you go on line to pandora.com....type in the title...and it should play it....it's free....if not....there's rhapsody.com which does the same....

the poetry is nice...but coupled with the music, it will help you remember your goals, your destiny....and who really watches over you and your son.....

love to you, crni

lyriczz taken from [color=#092b59]lyriczz . com

[color=#092b59]aretha franklin and george michael

i knew you were waiting for me like a warrior that fights

and wins the battle

i know the taste of victory

though i went through some nights

consumed by the shadows

and was crippled emotionally

somehow i made it through the heartache

i escaped

i found my way out of the darkness, kept my faith

kept my faith

(chorus)

and the river was deep i didn't falter

when the mountain was high

i still believed

when the valley was low

it didn't stop me

i knew you were waiting

knew you were waiting for me

with and endless desire

i kept on searching

sure in time our eyes would meet

and like the bridge is on fire

the hurt is over

one touch and you set me free

i don't regret a single moment

looking back, when i think of all those disappointments

i just laugh, i just laugh

(chorus)

so we were drawn together through destiny

i know this love we share was meant to be

[luvmy3kids]

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I'm glad he has a good prognosis. He sounds like a strong little guy.

Take care and best wishes to you and your family.

Jennifer

I just wanted to add that my SIL had thyroid cancer at the age of 7. She is 28 now and living a wonderful, healthy and happy life. Take care...

[DeLana_RN, BSN, RN]

I'm so sorry to hear this, I know it's a very difficult time for your family.

I have a friend whose daughter, Johanna (one of her twin girls), was diagnosed with ALL at 22 months. I'm happy to report that she is now nearing the end of her tx - after almost 2 years - and doing extremely well. Like your son, she was given a very good prognosis based on her initial labs and achieved remission after her first course of chemo (she had three over 6 months); after that, she started maintenance chemo with oral meds and outpt follow-up for another 18 months. This will end active tx, but of course she will have regular follow-up appts. Let me know if you'd like to hear more about Johanna's tx.

From my research, children between 1 and 8 years of age have the best prognosis for ALL; unless classified in the high risk group (i.e., those who don't achieve remission easily or quickly, or relapse soon), they can expect to be among the 80% who will be cured.

I'm keeping you and your family in my thoughts and sending you

((( hugs )))

DeLana

P.S. My friend lives in Germany. She's a teacher (part-time) and was given paid leave to be able to stay with Johanna during her inpt chemo tx. She said there was no way she could have worked during this time.