Childhood Leukemia
Introduction
“We are all in the same boat, in a stormy sea, and we owe each other a terrible loyalty.”
MY LIFE ABRUPTLY CHANGED on Valentine’s Day, 1992, when my 3-year-old daughter was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (high risk). At the time, I was the full-time mother of two young daughters. I understand that nothing prepares a parent for the utter devastation of having a child diagnosed with cancer. My family has walked the path from that life-changing moment through information gathering, treatment, and survivorship. We know that fear and worry are lessened by having accurate information and through hearing the stories of other children and families who have walked the path before us. We are honored to share with you what hundreds of parents and healthcare providers have learned to try to ease your journey down this hard road.
Table of Contents
All Guides- Introduction
- 1. Diagnosis
- 2. Overview of Childhood Leukemia
- 3. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
- 4. Acute Myeloid Leukemia
- 5. Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia
- 6. Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia
- 7. Telling Your Child and Others
- 8. Choosing a Treatment
- 9. Coping with Procedures
- 10. Forming a Partnership with the Medical Team
- 11. Hospitalization
- 12. Central Venous Catheters
- 13. Chemotherapy and Other Medications
- 14. Common Side Effects of Treatment
- 15. Radiation Therapy
- 16. Stem Cell Transplantation
- 17. Siblings
- 18. Family and Friends
- 19. Communication and Behavior
- 20. School
- 21. Sources of Support
- 22. Nutrition
- 23. Insurance, Record-keeping, and Financial Assistance
- 24. End of Treatment and Beyond
- 25. Relapse
- 26. Death and Bereavement
- Appendix A. Blood Tests and What They Mean
- Appendix B. Resource Organizations
- Appendix C. Books, Websites, and Support Groups