Brandon

 

In May, Brandon was diagnosed with leukemia. Diagnosed on Mother's Day, the 12-year-old was in remission by Father's Day. He'll continue to need chemotherapy for at least one year, and possibly three more years to ensure that the leukemia isn't hiding. Brandon is described as creative and goofy, and likes to draw, swim and play video games. Since his immune system is still compromised, he has missed a lot of school because he's still highly vulnerable to infection.

 

Below his mom Tracy talks about the day Brandon was diagnosed, and how he has coped so far.

 

How did you know something was wrong with Brandon?

The first week of May he had red spots around his ankles. By Mother's Day, it had moved up to his knees and was even on both legs. His dad and I are both active duty in the Army, so we took him to the pediatric clinic at Luke [Air Force Base]. The doctor there immediately sent for bloodwork. She took us in the back and told us she thought he had leukemia.

 

Were you then sent to Phoenix Children's?

Within an hour we were at Phoenix Children's. From the time we walked in the door at the oncology department they knew who we were and that we were coming. When they did his first bone marrow, the next day they found that 99 percent of his marrow was full of leukemia cells. It was caught just in time. The leukemia hadn't progressed to the rest of his body. He started his chemotherapy, and within 30 days to the day he was diagnosed, he was in remission.

 

Describe your experiences at the Hospital.

We were in and out of Phoenix Children's pretty much for the first two months. Everybody there is phenomenal. They're amazing. For the journey we've had to take, and for what he's had to go through, they've made it such a good experience … considering what it could have been.

 

How is he doing now?

He's home now and is doing pretty good. He went to Camp Rainbow. Right now we're waiting to get started on his next phase of treatment. He'll need three years of maintenance.

 

How has Brandon handled everything?

He's been very positive, which has a lot to do with the way it was handled at Phoenix Children's. Dr. Salzberg speaks to him not only as a patient, but as a young adult and involves him in the decision-making.  His counselor at the Hospital was assigned to him the same day he was diagnosed, and she's been to every appointment and talks to him to see how he's doing.