When we arrived at Primary Children’s hospital in the early morning hours of Dec 3, 2022 a Doctor at Primary Children’s hospital had a very frank and informative conversation with us. I am profoundly grateful for his bedside manner and how he treated and taught us. He said, “I know that you have repeated many times the symptoms your son has been going through that have brought you to this point. I will tell you what I know so that you don’t have to repeat yourselves again and then I will ask you to fill me in on anything I am missing.” After this was completed he said, “I want you to tell me in your words why Lane was sent down here to us.” I responded, “He is here because we think he has Leukemia.” The Doctor then said, “I would like you to tell me what Leukemia is so we know what we are dealing with.” I responded with strength to say the words that I didn’t know I had, “It is Blood Cancer.” The Doctor then outlined Lane’s current danger with Tumor Lysis Syndrome and the current and frequent lab draws that he would undergo so we could learn specifics about Lane’s Leukemia.
We learned of Tumor Lysis syndrome and all the efforts that were underway to save Lane from the effects of his Leukemia. Here is my understanding of Tumor Lysis Syndrome: the cancer cells produce garbage versions of white blood cells, since these cells aren’t built to last they rupture in the bloodstream releasing their contents (uric acid, potassium and phosphate) at a toxic level in the bloodstream. To prevent the toxicity Lane was given aggressive IV fluids to help rinse out all the extra cell products, and Allopurinol (Gout treatment drug)to eliminate the uric acid.
