A Little Girl's Second Chance at Life After Cancer
- 11-year-old warrior Jeanie-May Cooke is reportedly one of the first to beat a rare cancer with a groundbreaking new treatment.
- In 2017, Jeanie was diagnosed at age 7 with leukemia and histiocytic sarcoma, which later spread to her liver, lungs, and kidneys. The prognosis for the disease is very poor, and doctors were ready to give up and expressed to the family there was nothing more they could do.
- When it comes to a child or teenager, the parent must become the advocate. Although symptoms of leukemia are often initially tough to identify, make sure to get your child checked out if something seems amiss, and don't stop for answers until you find out what's wrong.
In 2017, Jeanie was diagnosed with leukemia and histiocytic sarcoma, which later spread to her liver, lungs, and kidneys. The prognosis for the disease is very poor, and doctors were ready to give up and expressed to the family there was nothing more they could do. They suggested hospice for the young cancer warrior.
Read More“Remember, when somebody says you can't do it, there is always a first person that can. She is that first person,” the proud mom said. “Never give up hope. Fight with your all, dream big and achieve bigger. Jeanie has proved them all wrong.”
Although Jeanie lost her leg due to cancer complications, she is getting back to some normalcy.
"It is wonderful to see her being a normal child, a chance we thought she would never get,” her mom admitted. “She missed a lot of her primary school time but is doing well at Havelock Academy and as soon as the alarm goes at 7am, she is as bright as a button and raring to go.”
The family will be having a “bash” this summer for Jeanie’s birthday, which is looking like it will be multiple celebrations in one. The family plans on renting a big bell so Jeanie can ring it to say she is all better and thank everyone who has supported her.”
Learning About Leukemia
Here at SurvivorNet, we always encourage people to advocate for themselves when it comes to cancer and, more generally, health care. When it comes to a child or teenager, the parent must become the advocate. Although symptoms of leukemia are often initially tough to identify, make sure to get your child checked out if something seems amiss, and don't stop for answers until you find out what's wrong.
What is a Blood CancerHow is it Different?
Symptoms of leukemia can vary depending on the type of leukemia. Common signs and symptoms of the disease include:
- Fever or chills
- Persistent fatigue, weakness
- Frequent or severe infections
- Losing weight without trying
- Swollen lymph nodes, enlarged liver or spleen
- Easy bleeding or bruising
- Recurrent nosebleeds
- Tiny red spots in your skin (petechiae)
- Excessive sweating, especially at night
- Bone pain or tenderness
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