Treatment-Induction Phase

9/30 - 10/21/08

Zoe started her initial intensive 5 week phase of chemo therapy on 9/30/08. Since then she's had a port placed under her skin for blood draws and drugs/fluid infusions, a bone marrow biopsy and 2 bone marrow aspirates (where the bone marrow is checked for leukemia), and a spinal tap(test on central nervous system to see if leukemia has penetrated into the spinal fluid and brain barrier). Her spinal tap was fortunately negative, however she had a chemo drug injected into her spine to prevent and stop any leukemia from getting into her central nervous system. She also takes steroids as part of the protocol.

Zoe has responded well to her treatment and as of the 2nd week of chemo, she was officially stated to be in remission. She has endured so much in such a short period. Despite everything, she's still in good spirits and could easily teach us all a lesson on coping. I'm so proud of her, such a tough little cookie.

She's scheduled to go back on Tuesday 10/28 for a bone marrow aspirate and spinal tap. These will be the key ones as they will dictate whether she maintains remission and will determine the treatment regimen going into the next phase. Fingers crossed and prayers.

Again, please continue to pray for my precious one as you are all making a difference.