On November 4, 2009 we took Emma to the doctor because we thought she
had thrush, a common infection for babies to get. Our pediatrician was
concerned about some different things during his examination on Emma.
First her liver and spleen were enlarged, but he said that he recently
had another baby who had the same thing and it turned out to be an
infection. Then he noticed that she was pale, she had bruises on her
legs, and he was also concerned that she hadn't gained any weight in two
months. Emma had been to the doctor's several times because she had an
ear infection that she couldn't get rid of and we were concerned because
she didn't eat, and her soft spot had been raised a few weeks prior.
The next day he sent us for some blood work, a belly sonogram, and a
chest x-ray. On our way home from all of the different tests, we got a
phone call that would change our lives. Our pediatrician told us that
Emma had Leukemia. We don't really remember much on that day. The grief
that our family felt from this news was overwhelming. That very same day
Emma began her intense Chemotherapy. We learned that she had infant ALL
(Infant Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) and her Leukemia is genetically
abnormal meaning that it is more resistant to Chemo. Because Emma was
under a year when she was diagnosed, her treatment would be more
intense. Emma was in the hospital for five weeks straight in the
beginning with intense chemo, and Emma was not allowed to leave her
room. Emma received her Chemotherapy inpatient and outpatient for two
years. Emma was truly a fighter during her treatments and hospital stays
and she always managed to have a smile on her face. Emma is currently 5
years old and remains in remission. She is getting ready to start
Kindergarten in the fall. She loves to play soccer, t-ball, dance, and
go swimming. She enjoys playing outside with her friends and loves
anytime that she gets to spend with her family.
