In remembrance of a life that cancer took way too early

Will has cancer.

His bone marrow results are positive for acute myeloid leukemia. They are now certain he has the subtype Acute promyelocytic leukemia.

Some research I have looked up about APL-

*What causes acute promyelocytic leukemia?

This condition happens when two genes that drive blood cell development fuse to create the abnormal gene PML-RARa. You don’t inherit this genetic mutation (change). It happens randomly during your lifetime. Experts don’t know what triggers the change. Symptoms of acute leukemia often develop between 4 and 6 weeks before diagnosis.

He will need to start treatment here in Utah for a few days to be safe to travel. We have to give a medicine to make the immature cells “grow up”. They typically would transfer a local resident from St Marks to LDS Hospital or “The U” as he called it. While there he would remain inpatient for 4-6 weeks while they completely wipe out his immune system. This is called the induction phase.

*”APL treatment phases

Treatment includes three phases: induction, consolidation and maintenance. Treatments vary, depending on risk:

* Induction: This phase focuses on eliminating enough leukemia cells to put APL into remission. Remission means you don't have symptoms and tests don't find signs of leukemia. Induction treatment uses a combination of a non-chemotherapy drug, chemotherapy and targeted therapy. He will need to stay in the hospital during induction, which usually lasts four to six weeks.

* Consolidation: Also may call this post-remission therapy. Consolidation treatment works to keep acute promyelocytic leukemia in remission and eliminate any remaining leukemia cells. This treatment uses the same drugs as induction treatment. He may receive treatment for eight months, with treatment sessions every two months. He may have treatment for four weeks and then a four-week treatment break. Treatment may be taking pills or receiving medication through an IV line.

* Maintenance: This is ongoing treatment in lower doses than induction and consolidation. Typically, people receive maintenance therapy for a year.”

We would like to get him as close to home for this to start. The last thing either of us want is for him to remain here in Utah for 1-2 months by himself undergoing treatment. This battle is going to take our whole village. He will need to go from St Marks directly to UTSW so he can start the induction phase closer to home. Traveling as well as this new diagnosis is a worry that I am giving to God. The oncologist said a 19 hour car ride home through rural areas with risk of diverting to a lower level of care is not the best option for his safety. Neither is a commercial flight with his immune system. Our insurance will cover 70% of an air ambulance if approved. If not approved we are looking at a charity private jet but we will need to pay for the jet fuel. His pain from his spleen and liver will not improve until treatment starts.

Please pray for seamless transition in his care.

*”Survival rates

Acute promyelocytic leukemia is a rare disease, so what we know about survival rates comes from clinical trials involving people with low-risk and high-risk APL.

One analysis of clinical trials involving low-risk APL cases found that 99% of people were alive four years after treatment. Another analysis involving high-risk APL cases shows that 86% of people were alive after five years”

I’ve been told APL is completely curable but the next 6 months to a year is going to be the biggest battle we have faced. These funds will go in priority to getting Will back to Texas and then to our 16K out of pocket for health insurance.

I can only say God has been involved from the start. Here are some of the blessings I want to praise even in the midst of the news.

*We made it back to US soil and this didn’t happen while we were in Mexico with a language barrier and further away from home.

*The medication reaction that caused the angioedema and rash lead to his PCP ordering labs that detected the cancer sooner than we would have otherwise.

*The steroids started for the rash may have improved his blood counts even though we didn’t know about this diagnosis.

* The inability to return when planned due to our flight being delayed 4 times placed us on the way to the airport instead of in the air and instead of at the airport when his pain got severe.

*My grandfather (Pepaw) had another form of AML and participated in multiple clinical trials. He coached Will in HS football even before I knew him. I believe his sacrifice and others sacrifice has improved AML treatments for us today.

*My parents were able to help us get Bryce home and pick up our car from the airport.

*Will recently got promoted out of patrol that will make working when appropriate more possible. The DPD has his heart.

* And this happened after Michael and Addys wedding and when all of our kids are currently thriving and growing into such special young adults.

The list goes on and on in the ways I can see His hand protecting and guiding every step of the way. I know we are not alone. Our family has Him and we have so many ready to help and fight with us in this battle.

Thank you for the bottom of our hearts,

The Deerings ❤️