After a week of wondering why Ori didn't want to walk, and why he started to look really pale, his pediatrician ordered blood work. That was Friday (Aug 15th). The next day he called with a suspicion that has since proved true, and has forever changed our lives.
Ori has Leukemia.
We've been at Phoenix Children's Hospital since Saturday afternoon. In the first two days Ori had two IV catheters in his arm, had a blood transfusion to raise his count of platelets, red blood cells and hemoglobin, and had a bone marrow aspiration done to confirm the type of Leukemia (Acute Lymphoblastic, aka "ALL").
Tuesday he had a portacath surgically implanted just below the surface of the skin on his chest. That eliminates the need for needle pokes for his frequent chemotherapy treatments and blood draws during the first six months of treatment.
Tuesday he also had a spinal tap to test for the presence of Leukemia in the fluid in his spinal cord and around his brain. Those came back negative (meaning good -- I always think of George Costanza when I hear something is "negative" in medical terms... sorry, out-dated Seinfeld reference).
More good news, we learned that his Leukemia is Acute Lymphoblastic (aka "ALL"), which is the most common, and most curable, variation. Success rates range from 75%-90%, depending on who you talk to. And the type of ALL is the pre B-cell, which is the most responsive to treatment.
Treatment has already begun, with chemotherapy being administered through the spinal tap on Tuesday, plus steroids and more chemo being administered orally.
If he responds well, we expect to be released Friday. Treatments will continue at home and during weekly visits to Phoenix Children's Hospital.
And thus begins what will be a three-year journey working toward remission.
We'll post more updates. For now, sleep...
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10 comments:
When, in ten years, Ori embraces late night Seinfeld re-runs, I think we will know why. Our thoughts are with you four in the Sonoron.
All our love -
I am in shock. We are thinking of and praying for you all. It's unlikely that we can do anything else to be a comfort or help to you besides that, but if there is something else, please please let us know. Love, Ben, Jess & Sophie
Crikey. Our best wishes are with you all.
Thank you Justin for the update. We are thinking of you all daily as you start this treatment. You are young and strong and we know Ori will make it through this. Will check blog often for updates. Give all your family a big hug from us.
Much love,
Betsy
What a difference a week makes in blog land, from birthday pics to Leukemia. We are praying for you daily. Let me know how I can help.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Please give Ori a big hug and kiss for us. We love you very much and are ready to support you in any way.
Justin,
You are all in my thoughts and prayers - please let me know if there's anything I can do to help.
We are praying for you every day and wishing we were there -- not sure what we would do, but it would be nice just to be able to give you all hugs. I am checking your blog every day -- thanks for keeping us updated. Your Oregon people will be sending something to you soon.
My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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