Leukemia Help

[Dish]

Last night my 4 year old son was diagnosed with leukemia. We're in a suburban Chicago pediatric hospital now.

I'm a wreck mentally and emotionaly right now.

Does anyone know if we should pull him out of where he's at and go to a place like St. Jude? We want him to have the best treatment on Earth, but I don't know how to make an informed decision right now.

If anyone has knowledge, advice, help, I'd be beyond grateful.

I know I yell/bitch about football on here, but I love this board, thanks guys, God bless.

[mu_hilltopper]

My heart breaks for you, Dish.  Thoughts to your family.  You'll get through this.

[MUDPT]

So sorry to hear.  Lurie is world class.  Start there and if needed they can direct you.

[WellsstreetWanderer]

I'm very sorry to hear. You are included in my prayers.
The good news is that this is the 21st Century and major advances in treatment are available.

[wadesworld]

No knowledge/help in terms of your question, but definitely prayers for your son and family. Kids are fighters.

[77ncaachamps]

Thinking of your son and you and your wife.

Prayers of strength and faith that he will live a long, fulfilling life.

[StillAWarrior]

More prayers, Dish.  I sincerely wish I could help in some other, more concrete way.  But know that you guys have my prayers.

May God fill you and your family with peace; may He bring you to the people most capable of caring for you and your son; and may He guide the doctors and nurses caring for your son.

[real chili 83]

Children's hospital in Milwaukee.

I can't begin to imagine how this is impacting your family.  Our thoughts are with you.

[GGGG]

Aww Dish I only wish I could be of help in some way other than prayer....

[nyg]

First of all, thoughts are with you and your family.

Even though you are located in Chicago, please look into Johns Hopkins in Baltimore.  It is probably the best overall pediatric center in the country.  They just opened a children's wing in 2012 that is beyond belief.  20% of the patients come from out of state, even from foreign countries for treatment.

My friend recently was in the same situation and traveled from South Carolina to have his child treated.  I am happy to say, all things worked out for now and doctors feel a full recovery. 

He also considered the Mayo Clinic in Minn., but went the distance for the best treatment.

[Slim]

God Bless!

[jesmu84]

Children's in Chicago is fantastic. I think that will be an excellent starting point. If you wanted, you could seek second opinions on treatment courses elsewhere. Hospital rankings aren't the best or very comprehensive, but here's what I've found:

http://health.usnews.com/best-hospitals/pediatric-rankings/cancer

[drewm88]

Prayers, Dish.

[barfolomew]

Prayers up for your son and family, Dish.

You might find some helpful resources from the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society:

http://www.lls.org/#/aboutlls/chapters/il/

[🏀]

Dish, heads up and strong.

Kids are resilient.

[Goose]

Dish

In our prayers big time. Wish I could help in some way.

[tower912]

Prayers up, Dish. 

[Dish]

Thank you all so much. I may not know you in person, but We Are Marquette, and I consider you all family.

We're going to wait out which type of leukemia he has, start initial treatment where we are at, and then see where things stand. We're lucky the cure rate is high, just concerned he's at the right place with the best docs.

[brandx]

Good luck, Dish. My prayers are with your son, as well as with you and the rest of the family.

[GooooMarquette]

Wishing you the best, Dish.

FWIW, US News lists Dana Farber in Boston as the #1 ranked pediatric cancer center, followed by Children's Hospital in Philadelphia and Cincinnati Children's Hospital.  And of course places like Mayo and Hopkins are pretty much good at most anything (and ranked 13 and 14 respectively in pediatric oncology).

Any of those choices (and I'm sure many others) would be great, but if you happen to choose Mayo, send me a PM.  I work there, and know one of the top pediatric oncologists.

[Sir Lawrence]

Whispered a prayer for your son and you and your wife at mass this evening.  God speed.

[Lennys Tap]

Dish, I'm sorry that I can't be of help regarding doctors or treatment centers, but you, your son and the rest of your family are very much in my thoughts and prayers tonight and going forward.

[Dr. Blackheart]

Best to the Dish family.  It is a kick in the nads to have your kid diagnosed with cancer.  Just know there are many of us who have gone through this, and take comfort knowing you are not alone as the initial news and uncertainty can be overwhelming.

Talked to the family expert and her answer as to the best place for childhood leukemia is the Cleveland Clinic, fwiw. That doesn't mean that you don't have two good choices in Chicago, as this will put stress on you juggling schedules, the up and downs, and work/life. The Ronald McDonald Houses can be a very choice for you during this fight.

Prayers up for your little Warrior!

[PuertoRicanNightmare]

Prayers for you and your family. He can and will get through it!!!

[keefe]

Dish - we are partnered with Fred Hutch Cancer Research Center. Hutch has done magnificent work in hematology. PM me and I can put you in touch with the right people.

http://www.nccn.org/members/profiles/hutchinson.asp