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Victors Stories: Patient Stories

Tabitha

Leukemia was the furthest thing from Autumn's mind when she took her daughter Tabitha to the doctor for a low fever and swollen lymph nodes - especially when the doctor said it was just an ear infection. But the X-ray and bloodwork that were precautionary indicated something more serious.

After careful study of the X-ray and additional tests, Tabitha was diagnosed with pre-T cell acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL). It was two days before her 4th birthday. ALL, is a quick progressing disease in which too many immature white blood cells (called lymphoblasts) are found in the blood and bone marrow.

A High-Risk Case. A Tougher Treatment.

Tabitha's case was higher risk, because her white cell count was extremely high. This meant that in addition to two years of chemo therapy (given in three-week cycles), she would also have to have radiation treatment, a treatment that can be difficult even for adults.

Well into her treatment and recovery, Autumn reports that Tabitha is doing pretty well, except when the combination of chemo and prednisone steroid therapy makes her really irritable, "Like a 4 year-old with PMS," she jokes.

The U-M Difference

Due to her intensive treatment schedule, Tabitha has really gotten to know key members of the U-M staff. "Everyone is very nice. She likes the nurses. There are some residents she especially likes, and the doctors are really good," says Autumn.

But the thing that Autumn appreciates most about the care at U-M Comprehensive Cancer Center is the open lines of communication between her and her husband and the staff. She says, "I like the fact that if we have questions, they will let us know what is going on. We feel we are a part of the treatment." And by feeling a part of the treatment, they feel a part of the process of Tabitha getting well.

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