On September 8, our son, Bennett (Benny), who is 17 months old, was airlifted from the local hospital to a children's hospital in Fargo, North Dakota. Benny was diagnosed with high-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (HR B-ALL). It is high risk because his white blood cell count is elevated at a life-threatening level.
Bennett had his first chemo treatment the evening of September 10. It was also the first day of the 35-day induction phase of his treatment. In the induction phase, the goal is to stabilize him and complete the initial chemo treatments. He will remain hospitalized until stable. Once stabilized, he will be able to live outside of the hospital and go to the hospital for his chemo treatments. We need to remain within an hour of the hospital. Our home is 2½ hours from Fargo, so we will have to stay in the Fargo area. The induction phase is the first of many phases. The progression depends on how his little body and the numerous medications and chemo can fight the leukemia. Sadly, at best, Benny will endure years of treatment in an effort to get him a diagnosis of being cured.
Kyle
Family member and caregiver
