world was shattered when her son received an acute myeloid leukemia diagnosis. She lost weight and her hair turned white overnight. This story details her heartbreak and the family's fight.">
Mother’s Agony: Hair Turns White After Son’s Leukemia Diagnosis
Zhengzhou — May 9, 2024 —
In Zhengzhou, China, a mother’s life was irrevocably altered by her son’s diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). The 24-year-old’s illness,marked by a persistent fever,has deeply impacted the family,notably his mother. She lost weight and her hair turned white overnight. upon learning of the severity of the disease, the young man’s sister has returned home to offer a bone marrow match. For more on this story, read on.
A Mother’s Agony: Hair Turns White Overnight after Son’s Leukemia Diagnosis
A Young Man’s Battle Begins
In Zhengzhou, Henan Province, a 24-year-old man, Meng Qi, sought medical treatment for a persistent high fever and was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a common blood cancer among adults. The diagnosis has devastated his family, particularly his mother.
The Mother’s Heartbreak
The news of Meng Qi’s diagnosis has taken a severe toll on his mother. She lost more than 22 pounds in a week, and her hair turned white, making her appear a decade older. She is still steadfast to stay strong for her son.
If I fall down, the child will fall faster, and I must hold on for the sake of the child!
the Diagnosis
Meng Qi went to the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University due to prolonged mental insecurity and a continuous fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius). Doctors discovered his leukocyte index was abnormally high, exceeding 500 (the normal range is 4-10). He was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML).The attending physician explained that AML originates from cancerous granulosa cells (immature granulocytes) in the bone marrow, characterized by rapid progression and a low survival rate.
Sister’s Sacrifice
Upon hearing of her brother’s diagnosis,Meng Qi’s 19-year-old sister immediately returned from Beijing to undergo bone marrow matching. She expressed her determination to help her brother.
My father is gone, I just want my brother to live well.
Her greatest wish is a successful match so that her brother can recover and the family can share a meal together.
When the illness is cured, the family eats a meal of dumplings made by mother, which is my brother’s favourite.
Did you know?
Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML) is one of the most common types of acute leukemia in adults. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.
Understanding Leukemia
Leukemia is a cancer of leukocytes, or white blood cells. It is classified based on the type of cancerous cell and the speed of progression. Leukemia can be either lymphoid or myeloid, and either acute or chronic.
- Chronic Lymphoid leukemia (CLL)
- Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML)
- Acute Lymphoid Leukemia (ALL)
- Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)
Each type has different characteristics and requires different treatment approaches.
Causes of Acute Leukemia
The exact causes of acute leukemia are not fully understood, but several factors may increase the risk:
- Exposure to excessive radiation, including X-rays
- Contact with chemicals like benzene
- Viral infections
Symptoms of Acute Leukemia
Symptoms of acute leukemia result from immature breast cells occupying space in the bone marrow, crowding out healthy blood cells:
- Anemia: Insufficient red blood cells, leading to pale skin, weakness, fatigue, and shortness of breath.
- Repeated Infections: Insufficient white blood cells, causing oral pain, sore throat, fever, night sweats, cough, painful urination, wound inflammation, and boils.
- Frequent Bruising and Bleeding: Insufficient platelets, resulting in bruises without impact, frequent nosebleeds or bleeding gums, and heavy menstrual bleeding in women.
- othre Symptoms: Bone pain,swollen gums,rash,headache,vision problems,vomiting,swollen lymph glands,discomfort,and chest pain.
- Asymptomatic Cases: Some patients may have no symptoms and only discover they have leukemia through a blood test.
Pro Tip:
Regular check-ups and blood tests can help in the early detection of leukemia, especially for individuals with risk factors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is acute myeloid leukemia (AML)?
AML is a type of cancer that affects the blood and bone marrow, specifically the myeloid cells.
What are the common symptoms of AML?
Common symptoms include fatigue, fever, frequent infections, easy bruising, and bleeding.
What are the risk factors for developing AML?
Risk factors include exposure to radiation, certain chemicals, and some genetic disorders.
Is AML curable?
Yes, AML can be curable, especially with early diagnosis and treatment, which may include chemotherapy, radiation, and bone marrow transplant.
