Leukemia is one of the most common
types of pediatric cancer. It can be found in the blood and bone marrow and is
caused by the rapid production of abnormal white blood cells. These abnormal
white blood cells are not able to fight infection and impair the ability of the
bone marrow to produce red blood cells and platelets. Over time the cells
overpower the growth of normal cells, the rate of progression and replacement of blood and marrow cells
varies between each type of leukemia.
It can be acute or chronic. Acute leukemia progress at a faster rate, and requires immediate treatment, than chronic leukemia. It can also be classified as lymphocytic or myelogenous. Lymphocytic is an abnormal cell growth in the marrow cells that afterward becomes lymphocytes. Myelogenous refers as the abnormal cell growth in the marrow cells that become red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
It can be acute or chronic. Acute leukemia progress at a faster rate, and requires immediate treatment, than chronic leukemia. It can also be classified as lymphocytic or myelogenous. Lymphocytic is an abnormal cell growth in the marrow cells that afterward becomes lymphocytes. Myelogenous refers as the abnormal cell growth in the marrow cells that become red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Some of the symptoms a patient can experience are fever, night sweats, feeling tired, shortness of breath, bruising or bleeding easily, infections, loss of appetite, tiredness, and pain in bones or joints. Like any other cancer, Leukemia can be treated with chemotherapy and radiation. It can also be treated with bone marrow and blood stem cell transplantation.
We don’t know if we will be ever touched by cancer in some way, but like Anthony Del Monte said, “Cancer does not have a face until it’s yours or someone you know.”
Posted by Genesis Figueroa (4)
I thought that your post was very touching. I myself have had numerous members of my own family suffer from cancer. I loved the quote that you refereed to about cancer not having a face until someone you know has it. This statement is so true. My father did not have cancer, however he suffered from early onset Alzheimer's. Every time I hear about Alzheimer's or see someone that has the disease, all I can think about my dad and his battle with the disease. I too share your desire in eradicating the world of these terrible diseases. Have you ever participated in the Light the Night walk in Boston? The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society runs the event, and it is a beautiful event that honors those who have passed away from the disease and gives hope to those who are suffering.
ReplyDeletePosted by "Nicholas Georgette"
I have also had some family members who have been diagnosed with some form of cancer. It is incredible to me that cancer is such a common disease and so many people have to experience it. I have always found it interesting that cancer is so difficult to treat because it is one's own cells that are attacking and causing the problems. Leukemia is especially difficult due to the abnormalities it causes in white blood cells which are the main cells of the immune system. I am currently taking a class about cancer and how it affects the body so your post had good timing.
ReplyDeletePosted by Brianna Luciani
As one person already mentioned, this post clearly came from the heart of someone who has been affected by this awful disease. I myself have had family members take on their own individual battles with cancer and I know how truly devastating it can be to see someone you love go through treatment. Even last semester in my genetics class when we covered cancer formation my professor was telling the class about how they too have had many loved ones pass away from this disease. Thus, almost everyone living in this world has been changed in one way or another by the negative effects that accompany cancer and its subsequent treatment. Due to this I try to participate in any fundraising event that goes towards cancer research, including the Light the Night walk in Boston. As a healthy individual I feel as if it is my responsibility to try and help those less fortunate. In my mind any money donated to research puts humanity one step closer to abolishing cancer forever.
ReplyDeletePosted by James Levangie
This post is close to my heart as I also have numerous family members that have been diagnosed with cancer. I especially liked the final quote you used saying “Cancer does not have a face until it’s yours or someone you know”. I agree, and believe our society as a whole is aware of cancer, but regards it as almost a theoretical disease that affects others, but never ourselves or our loved ones. I wonder if the conformational changes in leukemic white blood cells are due to some sort of protein mis-folding which inhibits their functionality. Since over time the replacement of normal white blood cells with dysfunctional white blood cells increases, would leukemia be somehow related to prion disease? Do the inhibitory conformational changes of these white blood cells occur as a result of direct contact between functional and dysfunctional white blood cells?
ReplyDeletePosted by Kayla Rosiello
I don't recall reading about a relationship between Prion disease and Leukemia while doing the research. I looked information about prion disease after reading your question and found this "article" about Prions Diseases and I don't think they are related. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/prion-diseases
DeleteHowever after reading about it, it really intrigued me so I will definitely will try to find more information about.
Posted by Genesis Figueroa
My father has and has had Leukemia for 25 years and I pray for his well being every night. But I can't help but feel paranoid about getting cancer every time something goes wrong with me, and WebMD isn't helping either. I keep talking to my father and grandmother about it and they keep telling me not to say such ill-fated things. My father conceived me while having leukemia and I was always concerned that it would make me more susceptible to having cancer or leukemia early.
ReplyDeletePosted by King Wahib
I can totally relate to that feeling of paranoia. Many times I found something out of place with myself and the first thing I would do was look up for the symptoms online (which is a big no no for me now) and usually the first thing that came up was some type of cancer. Best thing we can do sometimes is stay off WebMD and get our annual check-ups with our doctors for the sake of our sanity.
DeletePosted by Genesis Figueroa
As someone with loved ones that have had to deal with cancer and its horrible effects, I found this post to be very relatable. I had no idea that people afflicted with leukemia would have to go through such a difficult battle. While I understand that a lot of research is being done constantly in regards to cancer, I really look forward to future advances that can hopefully make the lives and survival chances better for people that are diagnosed with these types of cancers and all cancers in general.
ReplyDeletePosted by Brian Lee (4)