All about remission

When my husband got home from work last night, our conversation went something like this:

Me: "Guess what? Jack's in remission!"

Him: "That's great!" Then there was a pause and his expression turned to bewilderment.

He continued: "Already? Wow." He paused again, and I could tell he was trying to process the news. He continued: "That just seems really fast, doesn't it? I mean, chemo just started, so what does remission mean?"

As I talked with him some more, it occurred to me that many of you might have had the same reaction: sheer happiness to have had such a positive result so quickly, and also many questions about what it all means. So here is a quick primer about remission.

Remember in the post a few days ago where we referenced Rapid Early Responders? Well, that's Jack. He bravely received very aggressive chemotherapy, and the doctors expected to quickly put his leukemia into remission. But there is still a long road ahead of Jack. His battle against cancer is a marathon, not a sprint. According to The Children's Oncology Group being in remission unfortunately does not mean that the Jack is cured, because without further treatment the disease will return.

So what is next? Once he completes Induction, there are three remaining phases of cancer treatment which can span 2-3 years: Consolidation, Delayed Intensification, and Maintenance.

Here is the summary Cure Search provides about those treatment phases:

• Consolidation: The second phase of treatment. This phase lasts from four to six weeks. Different drugs from those used during Induction are given by mouth and intravenously. This is to kill leukemia cells that may remain after the drugs used in induction. During this phase, another main focus is on treating and preventing the growth of leukemia cells within the central nervous system (CNS prophylaxis). To accomplish this, spinal taps with intrathecal chemotherapy (directly into the spinal fluid) are performed weekly. For certain types of leukemia, or if leukemia cells were present in the spinal fluid at the time of diagnosis, radiation therapy may be given to the brain and the spinal column during this phase.
• Delayed intensification: This is a phase that includes medicines similar to those given in Induction and Consolidation. This has been shown to be helpful in preventing leukemia from returning. The exact timing of the doses and the specific drugs used depend upon the individual characteristics of a particular child’s disease.
• Maintenance: The final phase of treatment. This phase of therapy lasts two or three years. Maintenance is much less intensive than the previous treatment and consists mostly of oral medications given at home. There are also intermittent intravenous and intrathecal medications given throughout this phase.

As you can see, while we can rejoice in the knowledge that Jack is winning his battle against cancer right now, we need to remember that he is still at war with leukemia. Continue to keep the Bailey family in your thoughts and prayers.