Help Jenalyn Beat Leukemia!
On Wednesday, January 25, 2017, our world was turned upside down when our sweet baby girl, Jenalyn was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). Although Jena hasn't been feeling well lately, we were shocked by this diagnosis, it is so unexpected. She was admitted into Beaumont Children's Hospital Royal Oak that day and has been undergoing many tests, treatments and procedures. She is one tough little girl. We have a wonderful medical team that has developed a treatment plan for Jenalyn to beat the diagnosis. It is going to be a very long road, but we are confident we will get through this-together! Jenalyn has been running high fevers, feeling lathargic, bruising more than normal, loss of appetite, and also had Pneumonia and strep throat as well. We had made two visits to the ER in less than a month. We took Jena to a new Pediatrician to do blood work. That is when we learned how astronomically low her blood cell counts were and rushed her to Beaumont to be seen by a Blood Specialist/Oncologist. What is Leukemia: Leukemia is a cancer of the blood-forming cells that are produced in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is found in the center of Bones and serves as a blood making factory. Three types of blood cells are made in the bone marrow. Red blood cells carry oxygen to the body. White blood cells fight infection. Platelets help stop bleeding. What is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia(ALL): ALL is a cancer involving the blood-forming cells that normally make a type of white blood cell called a lymphocyte. ALL starts when a single young blood-forming cells called lymphoblast develops a series of mistakes that transforms it into a leukemia cell. The leukemia cell multiplies uncontrollably crowding-out healthy cells in the bone marrow. The leukemia cells can also spill out into the bloodstream and spread to the lymph nodes, spleen, liver and other organs. Leukemia cells can also spread to the spinal fluid. ALL is the most common type of Childhood Cancer. About four out of every five children who have leukemia will have ALL. Leukemia is the most common cancer in children less than 19 years old. The type of leukemia that Jena has is Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). ALL is cancer in (the B and T Cells) a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes. About 75% percent of kids with leukemia have ALL - That's about 2,400 kids in the US every year. Kids of any age can get ALL, but it is most common in children ages 2 to 4. ALL is very curable but it takes a lot of treatment. Jenalyn is categorized as "Standard Risk". The treatment plan for ALL is Chemotherapy for about two and a half years. Jenalyn had her first spinal tap chemo treatment and had surgery to implant her IV Port. She has started her first round of IV Chemo and did great! Her spirits have lifted, she's starting to get her appetite back (slowly) and is already feeling a little better, considering. My happy, hyper, crazy little girl is making her way back! She is by far the strongest girl I know. We created this page to keep everyone updated about Jenalyn's journey. We are surrounded by all of (you) our friends and family. Your support and prayers keep us positive and going forward to her cure. Thank you all for every positive thought you send our way. Love, The Jarvis Family
