My name is Presley Hart Wade. I am 6 years old. On April 18th 2014 I was diagnosed with Pre-B ALL Leukemia. This is the most common form of Leukemia in children.
My symptoms started around October of 2013 during my family Christmas photos. I was sick a lot withrecurrent and consistent high fevers. Tylenol and Advil didn't help. Finally after having months of back-to-back colds and a whole week of 104° temperature my parents took me to my pediatrician. He sent me to have my first "poke" of many to come. I thank him for recognizing that I had problem early on.
When my blood work came back it showed that my bone marrow was not producing red blood cells. Subsequently I was referred to CHLA to the hematology and oncology team. My new doctor Dr. Baskin quickly accepted me with warm arms. I had appointments for many more "pokes!" And to have a red blood cell transfusion cause my body was still not producing red blood cells.
After several weeks of tests the doctors ruled out infections and viruses. On April 18th 2014 we had an appointment for another check up. We waited in the room for what felt like hours!!! My parents and brother were very nervous. Dr. Baskin came in and told us she had found blasts in my blood. Blasts?? Cancer cells??
My parents and brother cried. I was confused to what this was or meant! What is Leukemia, cancer, and chemotherapy? Dr. Baskin said I was going to stay in the hospital. For a couple weeks, I was scared! I never stayed somewhere like this. My parents told me they would stay with me, so I felt a little better. Soon I was put through more tests and had to have a constant IV with fluids. I spent many weeks admitted in the hospital after diagnosis. I had a PICC line put in my arm. A PICC line is a tube that goes right to my heart for medicine and blood draws. The nice thing about having a PICC was I didn't have to get "pokes!" I have gone through intensive therapy and now I am in Maintenance. My body has gone through sooo many changes. I have had good days and bad days. I used to have hair to my waist that all fell out and now it's finally growing back!. The steroids I take make me gain weight. The chemotherapy makes me feel yucky. I have to have numerous procedures to put chemotherapy in my spinal fluid. CHLA feels like a second home. I spent a Easter and my 6th birthday in the hospital.
This summer I was hospitalized again for fevers. My parents and doctors worried that I had relapsed. I was having fevers for two weeks and my labs showed I wasn't producing red blood cells again. I was given another bone marrow aspiration and a blood transfusion. The test came back negative! PHEW!! No sign of disease. Soon as we got home the hospital called and said they found bacteria in my bone marrow. So I was transported by ambulance back to CHLA. After 4 more days in the hospital and very...very large doses of antibiotics I was released.
No one ever said having cancer is easy but my family stays by my side and God is watching over me and helps me through my hard days! My parents had support bracelets and support T-shirts made. I smile every time I see someone wear theirs cause I know they are supporting and praying for me!
I tell my parents that I wasn't ready for this to happen! They tell me no one is ever ready. I wish I knew why I have cancer! With your help I want to help the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society find a cure and why kids get cancer. Please walk with me and raise money for a cause close to my heart!
 |
| This is my nurse Dawn and I. She visits me often and changes my PICC line dressings |
 |
| This is me right before I was diagnosed with Leukemia |
 |
| This is my family. This picture was taken the day my fevers started |
