Day 1 of 33 days Chemotherapy course (Induction Phase)

As we were informed earlier, the diagnosis of leukemia cases tends to evolve. Doctors initially provided a prognosis and treatment plan based on the first imaging or biopsy, but these can change as they gather more information about our daughter’s cancer through further testing. After the diagnosis, we were told that the leukemia appeared stable and fell under the low-risk category, with a year of chemotherapy expected to be sufficient. However, according to Dr. Chan, this could only be confirmed after additional bone marrow biopsy results.  

Because this type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) grows quickly, Mahiyaa needed to start treatment and chemotherapy as soon as possible. It was best to do this at a center specializing in childhood cancers. At the hospital, Mahiyaa began receiving chemotherapy drugs designed to kill as many leukemic cells as possible. The goal was to put the cancer into remission. While this is not a cure, remission allows Mahiyaa’s bone marrow to start producing healthy blood cells again. Most children go into remission after a month of treatment. This phase is called the *induction phase*.  

Her first chemotherapy session lasted only 30 minutes and was administered via IV. Mahiyaa was so unwell that she made no effort to leave her hospital bed. She was just five years and eight months old, yet the fatigue and drowsiness caused by the drugs completely drained her energy. Chemotherapy irritated her gastrointestinal (GI) tract, so I ensured she had small, frequent meals, while the doctors kept her hydrated through IV fluids. The nurses regularly checked her vitals to monitor for any adverse reactions to the medication.  

The following day, with the doctor’s permission, my husband and I took her outside for a short evening walk. The fresh air lifted her spirits slightly, even though chemotherapy had completely wiped her out.  

During the induction phase, Mahiyaa will undergo 33 days of treatment, which includes eight chemotherapy cycles, four lumbar punctures, and two bone marrow biopsies. We will continue to receive updates on her risk diagnosis as her initial bone marrow biopsy undergoes further mutation analysis in the lab.