Day 29 Update
We received some very good news about Alice in recent days. Day 29, which is a big day for newly diagnosed leukemia patients, is when doctors learn the final piece of information needed to place Alice within a risk category and corresponding treatment plan.
The treatment of Alice’s leukemia, which is called b-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (“ALL”) and is known to be the most common type of childhood cancer, takes place over a number of different treatment phases. Within ALL, depending on a number of different factors, including the specific genetic mutation of Alice’s leukemia cells, whether there are any leukemia cells within the CNS, and after the first 29 days of treatment, the percentage of detectable leukemia cells remaining in the bone marrow aspirate, doctors place each patient within risk categories. Following Alice’s bone marrow biopsy on Wednesday, we learned on Thursday afternoon that Alice has less than 0.01% leukemia cells remaining in her bone marrow. This is the most sensitive measurement available - and she has no detectable leukemia cells! remaining after what was a pretty aggressive treatment phase they call induction. If there were some cells detected, then Alice would be placed into another risk category, and would receive a more aggressive treatment regime.
We’re happy with this outcome - with this news, all of Alice’s indicators have put her in the most favourable risk profile for her leukemia. Our oncologist has explained that Alice has an “excellent, excellent, chance of cure”. We’re grateful.
With day 29 over, this also means that Alice has been able to stop taking dexamethasone - a strong steroid that brings with it a number of unpleasant side effects. Intense grumpiness, tiredness, water retention, stomach pains, muscle loss, and challenges maintaining coordination. Since having her last dose on Wednesday, we’ve noticed big improvements in her energy levels and mood already - it’s amazing to see our old Alice returning after a month of being very lethargic, distant and not herself.
We’ve started a fundraising page for SickKids hospital in Alice’s honour, and we’ve been humbled by the support we’ve been able to garner - thank you so much!
