This morning Erin was fully diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) also known as Acute Megakaryocytic Leukemia type M7. What does that mean?
"Acute" means that the leukemia can grow quickly, and if not treated, could be fatal in a few months. AML is a cancer that starts in the cells that are supposed to mature into different types of blood cells. AML starts in the bone marrow (the soft inner part of the bones, where new blood cells are made), but in most cases it quickly moves into the blood. It can sometimes spread to other parts of the body.
In acute leukemia, the bone marrow cells don't mature the way they should. These immature cells build up and crowd out normal cells.
The doctors have told us that no one knows where leukemia comes from, so in other words, you and I didn't give it to her. She just got it.
Some of her signs and symptoms were fatigue, low weight, bruises, anemia, a shortage of platelets (blood clotters) and a shortage of white blood cells (diease fighters).
Tags: "Childhood Acute Myeloid Leukemia" "AML" "Leukemia" "M7" "Acute Megakaryocytic Leukemia"
John, you and your family will be in our prayers. I hope you will feel the love of Christ and of all those that care about you each and every day.
ReplyDeleteWe are thinking of you all, so sorry for your news, she is a doll, may the Lord's hand be ever present as you face this trial, and as he extends his love to your sweet family. We will keep each of you in our prayers.
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