Update from Chellie's mom

2/19/13 submitted by Chel’s mom  Learning the terminology: B-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is also referred to as Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia or ALL. Chellie had a Double Lumin-Hickman central line inserted to deliver the chemo, other fluids, as well as a place to draw blood without additional IVs. An aggressive therapy to suppress bone marrow function has been ordered and is referred to as; Induction Chemotherapy. Unfortunately, Chellie’s uric acid levels were too high to begin the induction chemo today. After speaking with the hospitalist, Dr. Baumgartner, we learned the gene probe results are still not back. They are needed to determine the parameters of the specific therapy so the wait to begin tomorrow is not a major issue. Chel has been placed on several medications to decrease the uric acid level, increase potassium levels, and increased hydration. When the levels stabilize, chemo will proceed. There is a concern regarding kidney function with this specific therapy so the kidney team (nephrologists) will be standing by during the initial treatment. As of today, it looks like if the induction chemo begins tomorrow, Chel will be in the hospital for approx. 2 weeks with this treatment. The remission rate after the initial induction chemo is 80-90% with a 50% reoccurrence of the cancer. With this in mind, a stem cell transplant, also known as a bone marrow transplant, is being recommended “after remission”.