MYCHAEL'S AML-M5 FIGHT

Mychael Oscar Reyna was only 4 years old when he suddenly started getting bloody noses. On Thanksgiving morning, he had one that required a trip to the ER to get it to stop bleeding. After this, several other bleeding episodes occured, in which a trip to urgent care was needed. Here, the Nurse Practioner told us his color wasn't healthy and said he had to get blood work done. On Monday, December 1, 2014, he was seen by the pediatrician, who did get blood work ordered...we were told that he would call later with results, but to watch out for more bloody noses and fever. This was at 11am...and then at 3:20pm that same day, we got the call on his results.  We were told he was very ill and had to fly him to Albuquerque for immediate treatment, because his numbers showed severe anemia, and to get to pediatric office for arrangements. When we arrived, we were told that it was leukemia, and that he had to be taken to UNM in Albuquerque immediately. Considering our options and  El Paso being closer, we took him to UMC Children's Hospital, where they did further blood tests to verify the initial results. At 6:30pm, we were told he had AML (Acute Monocytic Leukemia), which is a rare form of leukemia that requires a very agressive treatment plan.  He was immediately admitted and began his first round of treatment the next day, beginning with a surgery to place a permanent port in his chest, a bone marrow test, and lumbar spinal fluid test.  His chemotherapy started on the 3rd day he was hospitalized, and is expected to continue for at least 6 months, with a bone marrow transplant to follow in San Antonio, TX in hopes of remission.  He turned 5 while in the hospital on December 18, 2014.  

We were informed on December 23, 2014 that neither of his sisters were a match for the bone marrow transplant, which added further stress.  We are praying that someone who is in the national bone marrow registry is a match.  In addition to this, we were also informed that he has a heart murmur which requires constant monitoring, as the chemotherapy can further weaken his heart.  Furthermore,  one of us has to remain at the hospital with Mychael, while the other has to go back home to Las Cruces every night so the girls can rest.  But regardless of the expenses and time on the road, the trip is made daily back and forth between El Paso and Las Cruces to spend the entire day with Mychael, as a family...at least until school begins after the winter break, where we will see  what happens then.  With all your prayers and support, Mychael will overcome his battle.