On October 9, 2017, 8-year-old Julian suddenly became ill with a fever and headache. We gave him some over the counter medicine and made an appointment with his pediatrician. By the time he was in the doctor’s office the next morning, Julian had worsened and his doctor immediately ordered labs.
We were shocked to learn on October 10, 2017, that Julian had acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). He was transported by ambulance to Lucille Packard Children’s Hospital within hours of his diagnosis. The leukemia was causing rapid liver failure. Within a day, his health deteriorated and he was incubated and on a dialysis machine. Liver specialists at the hospital were considering him for a liver transplant as his liver was shutting down.
With faith, hope, family, and some amazing ICU physicians, Julian survived and was taken off all machines within a week. Small doses of steroids had helped his liver respond and begin to function. Our little warrior wasn’t done yet, though. Now that his liver was improving he would be able to start regular chemo treatments.
After the third small dose of chemotherapy, Julian’s doctors informed us on November 16, 2017, that they could no longer detect any leukemia cells in his body and his liver was continuing to improve! Fast forward a year to the maintenance phase of treatment that we’re currently in.
Julian is able to take most of his medicines at home, but does need to travel to Stanford at least once a month for chemo. He will continue this for another two years. Julian loves to laugh, play Fortnite and run around with his friends. His journey isn’t complete. But, he reminds us that every day is a gift!
Julian
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) survivor
