In July 2018, 11-year old Micky was diagnosed with a very rare, high-risk leukaemia known as Early T-Cell Precursor Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia or ETP-ALL. Prior to diagnosis Micky was a promising motocross rider with a passion for bikes.
Treatment
While leukaemia is generally considered treatable, ETP has a very poor prognosis, so doctors advised Micky’s parents to start making happy memories with him.
Micky received high-dose chemotherapy three times a week, and high doses of steroids. He also had blood and platelet transfusions, and daily visits from community nurses. The side effects were especially difficult for him as an 11 year old boy - he gained weight and his blonde hair fell out.
A Big Surprise
Three months into Micky’s treatment, his parents were told his chances of survival were very low and to expect the worst and start making memories. He underwent another bone marrow test and the results were most unexpected… Micky was cancer free!
If the cancer ever came back there would be very little doctors could do, so to prevent a recurrence, Micky had a bone marrow transplant, as well as eight rounds of radiation and another high dose of chemotherapy.
Treatment
While leukaemia is generally considered treatable, ETP has a very poor prognosis, so doctors advised Micky’s parents to start making happy memories with him.
Micky received high-dose chemotherapy three times a week, and high doses of steroids. He also had blood and platelet transfusions, and daily visits from community nurses. The side effects were especially difficult for him as an 11 year old boy - he gained weight and his blonde hair fell out.
A Big Surprise
Three months into Micky’s treatment, his parents were told his chances of survival were very low and to expect the worst and start making memories. He underwent another bone marrow test and the results were most unexpected… Micky was cancer free!
If the cancer ever came back there would be very little doctors could do, so to prevent a recurrence, Micky had a bone marrow transplant, as well as eight rounds of radiation and another high dose of chemotherapy.
“It was very hard to watch but Micky smiled and joked all the way through, he had strength that made me beam with pride”
The Fight Continues
A few weeks after his transplant, doctors gave the dreaded news that the transplant wasn’t working and a search for a new donor began. Doctors began testing Micky’s siblings, but before they could go ahead with a second transplant, the first one started to work!
Micky has been in isolation at Great Ormond Street Hospital since November 2018, during which time his weight has dropped to four and a half stone. Though he remains a high risk, doctors are still confident that he has a good chance of recovery.
A few weeks after his transplant, doctors gave the dreaded news that the transplant wasn’t working and a search for a new donor began. Doctors began testing Micky’s siblings, but before they could go ahead with a second transplant, the first one started to work!
Micky has been in isolation at Great Ormond Street Hospital since November 2018, during which time his weight has dropped to four and a half stone. Though he remains a high risk, doctors are still confident that he has a good chance of recovery.
“Being stuck in isolation has been bleak and heart wrenching. I have never felt so useless as a parent and felt so out of control”
Micky is not allowed to go to school for a whole year following his transplant, and he needs to be in isolation for six months while he recovers. After everything he has been through, he finds it hard to do a lot of the things we normally take for granted, but his parents are just grateful to have him. They have faith that Micky will go from strength to strength and that his courage and determination will get him through.
How We Can Help
Regular trips to and from hospital, as well as hospital parking, and food and drink during stays are very expensive. Micky’s diet is very specific, so the cost of food shopping has also increased when he is at home.
Thanks to your support, we will be supporting Micky’s family in any way they need, as well as many other families like them.
How We Can Help
Regular trips to and from hospital, as well as hospital parking, and food and drink during stays are very expensive. Micky’s diet is very specific, so the cost of food shopping has also increased when he is at home.
Thanks to your support, we will be supporting Micky’s family in any way they need, as well as many other families like them.
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