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Patient Story |
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Ronnie NY United States Male Living with ALL for 10 years, 2 months Age: 12 Ronnie was 3 and a half when I pulled a tick off his head. It was May 8, 2000. He went to the doctor the next day. He began to complain of leg pains and I thought for sure it was Lyme disease, but the test was negative. Over the course of six weeks we were told it was probably a virus. We were referred to a rheumatologist to rule out juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. She took one look at him, his bulging belly, paleness, bruises - all tell tale signs now in hindsight - and sent us to the oncologist. I still can not believe the impact on your life of one sentence from a stranger! It was acute lymphocytic leukemia. Ron was diagnosed July 19, 2000, and just finished his second of two delayed intensifications. I can honestly say, it really has not been that bad. Physically that is, emotionally it has been very difficult. None of us wants to be in this boat, but since we are, we have to make the best of it. I still do not have time for the siblings or my husband, or myself for that matter. The five-year survival rates scare the heck out of me. But none of us comes with any guarantees. I pray he stays in remission. We are looking forward to our Make-A-Wish trip this October. My advice is have faith in the protocols. Be in touch with others in your situation as much as possible. They are the only ones who really know what you are going through. And try to take time to appreciate what you have while you have it. |
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