Anya vs Acute Myelogenous Leukemia
Hi all! This page is dedicated to raising funds to help Awesome Anya and her family with her medical expenses. If you are able to donate we are so very thankful to accept any amount large or small.
Here's her story shared by her mom Joyce Mendoza in her blog:
Day 1 to 51
Day 1 (March 17, 2017): We were going about our daily routine when Anya complained of severe tummy ache followed by high fever. On the same day, she was brought to the Emergency Room of Marikina Valley Hospital to have herself checked. Because her White Blood Cells and Platelet counts were abnormally high without manifesting any infection, ER doctor was candid to inform us that her symptoms suggest Leukemia. It was the start of her hospital confinement and several tests were conducted.
Early Symptoms: 6 months before she was confined, she often stumbled easily, which we later on found out was due to generalized weakness. She'd easily acquire bumps and bruises. At times, she would complain of arm and leg pains.
Marikina Valley Hospital: We spent 3 to 4 days in this Hospital under the care of her kind Pediatrician. Her case was also referred to a Pedia-Hema-Oncologist due to abnormal blood readings.
Philippine Children’s Medical Center (PCMC): We were transferred to PCMC for the Bone Marrow Aspiration. Due to persistent high fever, schedule of BMA was postponed on several occasions. BMA results confirm Anya has leukemia classified as Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML), the worse kind of leukemia.
Acute Myelogenous Leukemia (AML): This blood disease is very serious. We were always told that it only has 20 to 40 % chance of survival with chemotherapy. We were informed that AML is further classified into 8 categories, i.e., M0, M1 up to M7. Anya’s AML is classified under AML-M7 category, which is the worst possible category.
Ray of light: Complete remission and long-term survival are more common in children. AML panel and FLT3 tests conducted on Anya also suggest that Anya has good prognosis.
1st hair cut: Anya has lovely long black hair with curly locks by the ends. We had it cut in preparation for her Chemotherapy session.
St. Luke’s Medical Center (SLMC): Upon prodding of relatives and friends, we sought second opinion with a pedia-hema-oncologist based in SLMC referred to us by at least 3 relatives/friends. This doctor patiently explained to us the nature of our daughter’s disease. His chemo battle plan, we thought, would give our daughter a better fighting chance. There is only one problem, a big one. We cannot afford treatment in SLMC. But there is conviction in our hearts that this is where God wants Anya treated. We believe that God wants us to take the leap of faith, to trust that He will provide. Anya was admitted last April 1, 2017. Port-a-cath insertion was performed on April 3. And Day 1 out of 10 of her chemo began on April 5. As of the moment, she has completed Day 1 to 10 of the 1st cycle of her chemo but is still confined in the hospital due to viral and/or suspected fungal infections. This happened at the time her blood count, including wbc, are at their lowest peak.
Day 51: Extreme itchiness is Anya’s major complaint. Her white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets are also low. She needs her blood count to stabilize so that here body can fight off the infection.
