^^Angel^^ Carl B. - Quilt Finished in 2008
Born: February 22, 1995 - Passed: December 30, 2008
Illness: Pre B ALL High Risk
Carl B.'s Story
Written by Carl's mom Jackie on December 3, 2008
Carl was diagnosed with PreB ALL on April 30, 2007. Prior to daignosis, Carl was your average preteen boy who enjoyed playing all sports, hunting and playing music.
In May of 2007 Carl began his journey to recovery and went into an immediate chemical remission. After 13 months of chemotherapy, it was decided that Carl should have a bone marrow transplant in order to lessen his chances of a relapse.
On July 9, 2008, he received a stem cell transplant from his 17 year old sister, Madeline. Within 30 days Carl was remarkably 100% donor cells. Other than a few expected and customary complications that are associated with transplant, it was a picture perfect proceedure.
On October 22, 2008, during a routine bloodwork proceedure, it became apparent that Carl's leukemia had indeed returned. Because he was still in the midst of his transplant treatment and was completly immune compromised, treatment options were limited. He had reached the maximum capacity of radiation that was permissable for a child of his weight and age and had become resistant to the common chemotherapy drugs.
In late October, doctors began the first of a two dose chemotherapy in attempt to again place Carl into a chemical remission. After almost a month in the hospital, it became clear that the first dose of treatment was not effective. Blasts continue to be present in Carl's blood.
On December 3, 2008, doctors began the second dose of chemotherapy with an additional drug added into the mixture. It is hoped that there can be some type of decline in the number of cancer cells in Carl's blood. In order for his doctor to proceed and continue treatment, Carl needs to achieve at least a partial remission, with no more than a 25% presence of leukemia blasts in his blood. This would be a significant accomplishment. He, his medical team, his friends, numerous total strangers, and his family continue to pray and hope for a Christmas Miracle for Carl. His family welcomes any and all prayers and support for Carl's immediate recovery.
Update:
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
At 4:44 a.m. this morning Carl very peacefully passed away.
We went to clinic this morning as per our usual routine. Carl needed blood and platelets as we expected after being off all weekend. We met with Dr Yu to discuss the way we would be handling his heathcare over the next few weeks. Carl made his feelings VERY clear to all of us that he was ready to let the rest of his life "play out" and did not want us doing anything to prolong the inevitable longer than need be. Greg and I had decided to continue to transfuse him with blood and platelets until after the 1st and get Hospice involved next week.
Carl basically slept through his transfussions as he always does. Carl just really never woke up later in the day as he should have. Even after they had discharged him, Greg was unable to rouse Carl enough to get him to the car and home. We decided to just let him sleep it off and return home whenever he woke up. Though I did find it a bit unusual, I basically just continued on with my evening.
A few hours later Greg called me to come to the hospital as Carl's breathing had become labored. He began having some type of seizures that they basically explained as internal brain bleeds. The doctor arrived about 1:00 a.m. and gave him meds to keep him calm and also began a platelet transfussion to prevent further internal bleeding.
Carl lingered calmly from that point on until he finally passed away surrounded by family and friends.
Carl blessed Greg and I tremendously as we spent most of our day agonizing over what we thought would be very monumental details concerning his healthcare. He, up till the bitter end, ceased to amaze us by making his passing as easy on us as possible.
We cannot to begin to tell you how much we appreciate all you have done for us over the past 20 months.
