2005 Journal Entries

Just wanted to let everyone know that Archie was readmitted to the hospital tonight. We called the hem/onc’s because Archie’s legs and eyes seemed swollen, and his abdomen was distended and extremely hard. They asked us to bring him in.

Tonight’s blood work confirms that Archie most likely has leukemia. The doctors are going to do more tests tomorrow to confirm the diagnosis, but we are moving forward tonight under the presumption that Archie does have leukemia. The doctor says that it is most likely acute megakaryoblastic leukemia, which is common in children with Down syndrome, but that tomorrow’s tests will confirm that diagnosis. Please don’t research this diagnosis on the Internet because you’ll find mostly negative information with poor prognoses. Because Archie has Down syndrome, and because he developed the disease before turning two years old, his outlook is very positive and his prognosis good.

Archie will undergo more testing tomorrow, and will have surgery Wednesday or Thursday to put a port in his chest through which he’ll receive chemotherapy. He’ll probably begin his treatment Friday or this weekend.

Please remember Archie in your thoughts and prayers. We’d appreciate it so much. We’ll update you when we know more.