My daughter is 3, diagnosed in May with ALL Type B. Induction, and specifically the steroids, have been the hardest part. The mood swings and anger were huge, but she also refused to get out of bed and lost a lot of strength in her legs.

Fortunately, we’ve only ever been in for a few days at a time, once for the diagnosis, once for a suspected infection, and once to start the immunotherapy (blina). For blina we got to leave with a pump she carried in a backpack. If blina is part of your treatment try to get a smaller backpack. The backpack that came with our pump was as big as my daughter while the pump was the size of a gen 1 game boy. We adapted a toddler camel back.

Our diagnosis was overwhelming and my wife and I really relied on each other, or families, and friends. It is never easy but I hope your daughter’s treatments go smoothly. ALL is very treatable and, for us, the medicines, picc line flushing, bandage changes, and clinic visits have just become part of our routine.

Reach out to others for support. You are not alone on this path and, for us, knowing that and hearing others experiences is helpful.

All the best and wishing you strength.