The last day of treatment for a child in remission from leukemia generally includes a diagnostic spinal tap, a bone marrow aspiration, a complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry screen, a thorough physical exam, and a discussion with the oncologist or nurse practitioner (NP). The oncologist or NP should review the treatment given, outline the schedule for future blood tests and exams, and sensitively discuss with the family the potential for long-term side effects. After the procedures, the family will usually wait to hear the preliminary report about the bone marrow aspiration, as true relief does not come until they know that no leukemic blasts are present.

A treatment summary should be provided to you, which will include diagnosis; chemotherapy drugs given and total amounts; radiation given, location, and total dose; surgeries; pertinent past medical history; family history; and recommendations for continued follow up into adulthood.

The nurses at our clinic really made a big deal on the last day of treatment. They brought out a cake and balloons, and sang “Going off Chemo” to the tune of “Happy Birthday to You.” They made Gina a banner and bought her a present. I sat in a corner and cried, because I was scared to death of the future. A nurse came over, hugged me, and said, “This must be so hard; we’re taking away your security blanket.” She was exactly right.

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When treatment was finally over, we felt like we had been cut adrift at sea. Suddenly, our hospital safety net was gone. This was the day that we had been waiting for—and now we were terrified.