Hi there ,

I have just found out that my nephew has leukemia, He is only 4 years old.
I don`t know how to take it, The whole family is devistated at the moment.
I just want to find out more about it so i can help my familly through this painful time.

Nothing is sadder than a child with cancer, however, I have read great things about childhood leukemia being cured, so keep the faith.

Dear Sad, I am so sorry about your Grandson. The next two years is not going to be easy but curing Childhood Leukemia has become the norm the last 10 years. This can be cured. The chemo isn't easy but children seem to take to it better than adults. The biggest factor is staying clear from germs to prevent infections, keeping the blood counts in check. If it does become a factor and it will, he will be put in the hospital where he can receive the medications to increase the blood counts and antibiotics intravenously. Believe it or not taking care of a child with Leukemia becomes routine and part of your daily life for the two years or so of treatment. Some people even have a hard time adjusting back to a normal routine once the treatments stop. You become accustomed to the "new" routine, attached to the nurses, doctors and friends you make along this journey. This journey does and will have an end. And a happy ending it will be when he and his family adjust to another new beginning of a Happy Healthy life.

So Sorry, I meant your nephew, I posted Grandson.

So sorry to hear of your diagnosis with your nephew. I, too, received this news when mine was only 5. I can relate to that hole in your stomach feeling. I've mentioned on this board before, the St. Jude's Hospital web site is excellent. Discusses many, many things. You may not want to hear it now, but with the ALL type of leukemia, it IS the young ones that are diagnosed at this age that do the best in remission and recovery. They usually get these children into remission very quickly and then follow a specific protocol. It hurts to know any child has to go through any of this, but we have come a long way in treating the disease. Do whatever it takes to life his spirits and really, really help his family along the way. Sending many prayers your way.