On the other side

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Today we got a call that will change our lives forever. My nephew, age 18 and getting ready to leave for college, was dx with leukemia. We have little infomation, other than his WBC count was so high he was transported by ambulance to the nearest Children's Hospital because they were afraid of thrombosis.

Now what? I hate this...obviously.

Man this sucks.

Specializes in LTC/Rehab, Med Surg, Home Care.

thanks, they helped. i found a message board within one. i see there are some who have made it as long as 6 years in the chronic phase. i hope my nephew is one of them.

i just want him to be able to have a life, you know? he's supposed to be leaving for college. he wants to be a marine biologist. this is just so unreal, unfair, and i'm pretty much falling apart.

i talked to him on the phone today. he's in good spirits, complaining about his central line, complaining about how much he has to pee, teasing the nurses like crazy. my sister overheard them laughing about what a clown he is and they are telling her they think he's great.

white cell count is down to 39 with two rounds of leukophoresis. we are still praying for this to be in the chronic phase. he has no pain, is not tired/no fatigue. except now he says "i can't get any sleep b/c they won't leave me alone".

tests on his liver and spleen will come back on monday and we'll go from there.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I am so sorry for all of you having to go through this! Leukemia is a distressing diagnosis, but CML has had some fantastic research and treatment developments in recent years. I am hopeful that he will go on to lead a full, happy, healthy life. It will be a very tough road without a doubt, but will teach all of you about the love of family, the endurance of the human spirit and the joy of appreciating each day for what it is as they come. My prayers go out for all of you.

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