Aiden was diagnosed with precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia at 5 years old. He is in remission and has been off treatment for a year.
What’s one thing you wish you had known in those first 48 hours?
“About support groups with other parents dealing with childhood cancer. People that could relate to me. I wish I had know of local foundations to help us in our time of need.”
What helped you the most in those first 48 hours?
“Love and support from family and friends. People flooded our phones and social media asking how they could help. People were ready to get their bone marrow tested if we needed it. A gift I did not know we needed was meal gift cards (gubhub, door dash, etc.) because hospital food gets old really quick.”
What’s is one moment in those first 48 hours that you’ll never forget?
“I was alone when I was told the news. The doctor came into the room and said let us go talk somewhere. I said no, you just tell me what is going on and we head home. She said no, we need to go talk. I felt so numb and empty. I was told he either had aplastic anemia or leukemia. I called my husband and then my parents. I brought him in for a fever and a cough, how could this happen to us? When the oncologist came in, all the emotions hit me at once. I could not control my emotions. I tried to hid them from my son. One night I walked out into the hallway of the oncology unit and just broke down. A nurse came, she sat with me and just comforted me. I really cannot thank that nurse enough, for just being there.”
If you could go back, what’s one thing you’d tell yourself?
“Keep your faith, do not give up. You will get through this with the support of your friends and family. Keep track of everything, write down all your questions and stay informed. Know your child’s care plan and be sure they do not go off course. Advocate for your child! Stay strong, keep fighting, and WIN!”
This First 48 story was submitted by Heather.