i have a grandchild he has leukemie. he is clean but needs still bone marrow transplant. Why?

Answer 1

Hi there. My name is Lynny. I saw that your grandson had Leukemia. And is "cancer free" but still needs a bone marrow transplant. There are alot of reasons why. One would be, in this world doctors dont like to work in chance. They want to make sure that his white blood cells are completely healthy before stopping treatment. I too went through a round of chemotherapy a few years ago for my leukemia, and was declared in remission immediately following the first round. They still gave me two more rounds of chemo and a stem cell transplant. From what the doctors told me, the reason is because the type i had, had a tendancy to come back even after being told i was in remission. I think the chances of returning after one treatment were still about 70% so the second was needed i guess as a maintenance dose. Then the type i had still had a very low survival rate so a stem cell/bone marrow transplant was required to make sure my body would stay in remission. This was given to me Feb 7 2002. I have been cancer free ever since. Dont worry its not just your grandson who has to go through it. Usually there is a protocol that must be followed in order to reach the 5 year survival rate, and most cases a transplant is almost necessary, it doesnt mean that he is going to get worse, and it doesnt mean that they think the cancer will return, its just precaution. I hope everything works out for you. good luck, and if you have any questions, i have been through it, i will be glad to answer questions...Stay positive, it helps
Lynny

Answer 2

Leukemia actually comes in many different types, and the treatment depends on the specific cytogenetic abnormalities of the disease. Most of the time, induction and intensification/maintenance chemotherapy is sufficient. However, if your grandchild has specific abnormalities that make it a potentially worse leukemia, then bone marrow transplant may be necessary to ensure that the leukemia does not grow back after it goes into remission. It's a long road, best of luck to him.

Answer 3

A Stem Cell Transplant is the only way to almost gaurentee (sp)a "cure" because the donor cells become the immune system on the person receiving the cells, thus being able to fight any residue of the disease.

I am going to be having a Stem Cell Transplant in a few months once my Dr gets me back into remission. I have Non Hodgkins Lymphoma and have been fighting it since march of 04

For more information go the the Luekemia/Lymphoma Society website at http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls

On the left hand side of the home page is a directory look for the discussion boards, register to leave your questions there, There are many parents and grandparents that post there and they can give you alot of guidance and support

Keeping the little one in my prayers
(btw I am Kittymom on the boards)

Answer 4

Bone marrow is commonly the source of leukemia. It produces an abnormally large number of white cells, which leads to anemia and immune deficiency. The damaged marrow must be replaced, or else it will continue churning out corrupted cells.

Answer 5

Check this site for reference info:
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls
Best wishes