When Emmitt was born and we learned he had Down syndrome, our pediatrician ordered “routine” lab work. Unfortunately, the results came back pretty concerning due to low white blood cells, platelets, and red blood cells. At just 6 weeks old, Emmitt was referred to see an oncologist and received his first bone marrow biopsy. Thankfully, he was diagnosed with something called TMD or transient myeloproliferative disorder of Down syndrome and we continued to watch his counts and wait for recovery over the next 20 or so months.
One September morning we noticed our sweet boy looked to be covered in little pin pricks, also known as petechiae, this was our first sign that something more was going on. After months of normal labs, his platelets were really low needing a transfusion. Emmitt had a bone marrow biopsy which unfortunately confirmed our fears and diagnosed him with AML (acute myeloid leukemia). Emmitt began treatment in November and went through six cycles of treatment. Each cycle of treatment included roughly a 30 day stay in the hospital which was incredibly challenging for our family.
As of September 8, 2023, Emmitt rang out of treatment and is officially cancer free. We are still getting monthly blood draws and keeping a close eye on him but he is doing so incredibly well!
-Maggie, Emmitt's Mom