Yesterday my 15 year old sister went to the hospital and she got. The results back today and it turns out she has Leukimia and about 15 minutes ago she left with my mom to the hospital for the bone marrow biopsy.My mom told me the doctors said its in the first stage and that for treatment she's gonna go through radiation treatment and chemotherapy. I haven't cried in literally years but I did a little bit because this is my little sister and ill never get another one.
So my question is what are her chances of living?
Lemon soul - I'm sorry to hear that, but the truth is, it's impossible for us to say. Each persons cancer is different and without access to all of her medical records, we could only guess.
ReplyDeleteBut we can tell you stage 1, is the "best" stage to have. It was caught early and steps can be taken to contain it.
Ask her doctor and your mother for advice and support.
I wish you and your family all the best.
John Smith - There are many factors to consider. First, there are several types of leukemia, with different survival rates. Secondly, how quickly it is caught, before it progresses, is very important. I also think other factors like, the health of the patient aside from leukemia would matter. If she is a otherwise fit and healthy person, her chances should be improved. Every doctor will tell you also that the attitude of the patient and the moral support they have around them is important.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.emedicinehealth.com/leukemia/article_em.htm
According to that article the average survival rate after 5 years is 50%, meaning that after 5 years, half of the patients are still alive. However, depending on the factors I've mentioned, her chances could be significantly greater.
I won't lie to you. Any cancer can be deadly, and leukemia is no different. However, progress is being made every year. In 1960, the 5 year survival rate was 14%, so treatments are becoming more effective. I have a friend who's father was diagnosed with bone cancer over 10 years ago. Bone cancer is one of the most devastating varieties, but he is still going strong, though the road has at times been extremely difficult, and is challenging to this day. My point is, no statistics can guarantee what will happen.
The best thing you can do is be the best brother you can be. Be positive, and be supportive, your whole family is going to be going through a very tough period together. My deepest sympathies. Good luck.
TrueSnapdragon - What kind of leukemia does she have? If she is going to have radiation and chemotherapy, it sounds like an acute leukemia. However, acute leukemias are not staged.
ReplyDeleteNobody hear can tell you her chances, especially without knowing what kind of leukemia it is. Acute lymphobasltic leukemia has a very, very good prognosis. Treatment does not usually include radiation unless the subtype is T-cell ALL (rare) or the leukemia has crossed into the cenral nervous system (which the doctor would not know at this point and so would not say radiation.) Acute meyloid leukemia does not have as good of a prognosis, but many people do well and survive. AML is not typically treated with radiation unless the person is going to have a bone marrow transplant, so it doesn't sound like she has AML. Chronic leukemias are very, very rare in teenagers. When a teenager does get a chronic leukemia, it's generally CML, which is not treated with chemo and radiation unless it gets very advanced (your sister's is not if the doctor said stage 1.) It would be treated with oral medication at home. There is no cure for CML aside from bone marrow transplant, but it can be managed almost like a chronic disease for many people.
It sounds like you need more information, and you will be told more as the doctor and your mom learn more. The bone marrow aspiration/biopsy is really the diagnostic standard, though some leukemias can be diagnosed via blood work. Your sister is in good hands right now with her doctor and you will all get more answers soon.
Lynnmarie - I don't know but I will pray for all of you. When my father got cancer many years ago, someone told me to pray to Jesus Christ. I did and he recovered. I have been a Christian ever since then. God has been faithful to me. Please read the Bible, New Testament first. That is what helped me. And look for a Bible-believing church to attend, like Baptist. Ask the pastor to have the church pray for your sister.
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