Can anyone tell me what the first early childhood signs of Leukemia are? My 4 year old daughter is having some weird symptoms that I'm concerned about.
Any help is needed! :confused:

Anemia: Children with leukemia often have fewer than normal healthy red blood cells and platelets. They lack enough red blood cells to carry oxygen through the body, which causes a condition called anemia. Children with anemia may look pale, feel weak and tired and bleed and bruise easily.
Recurrent Infections: Although children with leukemia may have a high number of white blood cells, these white blood cells are immature and don't fight infection. Children may experience repetitive viral or bacterial infections. They often have symptoms of infection such as fever, runny nose and cough.
Bone and Joint Pain: Pain in bones and joints is another common symptom of leukemia. This pain is usually a result of the bone marrow being overcrowded and "full."
Abdominal Distress: Abdominal pain also may be a symptom. Leukemia cells can collect in the kidney, liver and spleen, causing enlargement of these organs. Pain in the abdomen may cause a loss of appetite and weight.
Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes under the arms, in the groin, chest and neck may become swollen when leukemia cells collect in the nodes. Lymph nodes filter the blood.
Difficulty Breathing or Dyspnea: With T-cell acute lymphocytic leukemia, leukemia cells tend to clump together around the thymus gland. This mass of cells present in the middle of the chest can cause pain and difficulty breathing. Wheezing, coughing or painful breathing requires immediate medical attention.


If you are really concerned, take her to her pediatrician, share your concerns and ask for a blood test.

Thank you for your reply! Her doctor was concerned about her bruising and has ordered a blood test. I didnt think too much about it until last week we found a lump in her neck. She has in the past complained about abdominal pain and complains about body achs. We will get the blood results at the end of the week. I'm trying not to worry, but I had a cousin who had leukemia as a child. Where are the lymph nodes located in the neck?

Amberay

My daughter was 2 1/2 years old and in daycare. One day the daycare provider said that she wasn't acting normal, that she was acting tired a lot, not playing with other children like she normally would and complaining that her bones hurt.

When we took her to the doctor and was diagnosed with Acute Lympoblast Leukemia (ALL). I'm gratefull for my childcare providers attentive needs. I agree with TeacherGirl64...take your daughter to the doctor to get a blood test.

My daughter just turn 10 years old last month and has been Leukemia free since December 1999. :angel:

Lisa

We got her blood tests back, it came back normal. She still has the bruising and lump in her neck. Is the test conclusive or should I have the doctor run more tests?

Amberay,

Has the doctor come back with any other possible diagnosis for your daughter?

Lisa (Filipinone)

I havent had her back in the doctors yet. Right now we are waiting for our health care to go through. As soon as I can, I will let you know what happends. She seems to be doing fine now, still has the lump in her neck. I think that sometimes she plays up some of her symptoms.