Isaac

Isaac was not even a year old when he was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-cell ALL), a fast-growing type of blood cancer that doctors must treat aggressively. It most often occurs in children ages 3-5, so an infant having this type of cancer is considered rare.

Just weeks before Isaac’s diagnosis in April 2022, he was experiencing an ongoing fever that wouldn’t go away. He was also fatigued, appeared pale and had developed tiny red spots all over his skin—all symptoms of leukemia. His parents, Chris and Amanda, were very concerned and took him to an emergency department outside Woodstock, New Brunswick.

Blood test results showed that Isaac was very sick and needed a blood transfusion because his blood cell count was very low. He was immediately transported by ambulance to his local hospital in Fredericton for the transfusion. The following day, he was flown to the IWK by Ambulance New Brunswick for further tests and specialized care that only the IWK can provide in our region.

After arriving at the IWK’s emergency department, Isaac underwent another blood transfusion because his blood cell counts were still low. He also had more blood tests, which, sadly, confirmed that he had B-cell ALL. “It was hard to hear that kind of news,” says Chris.

Isaac spent seven weeks at the IWK undergoing aggressive cancer treatment, which included steroids and chemotherapy through an IV and intrathecal chemotherapy, which is when chemotherapy is injected into the cerebrospinal fluid using a needle. He also had more blood transfusions to boost his energy and platelet transfusions to prevent bleeding.

Although Isaac is back home in Fredericton, his cancer journey is far from over. His treatment plan will continue for the next two and a half years to help keep his cancer in remission. He will visit the IWK every three months for intrathecal chemotherapy, continue to receive chemotherapy through an IV at his local hospital in Fredericton and take oral chemotherapy (pills taken by mouth) daily. He also has a feeding tube to ensure he is getting the nutrients he needs.

Isaac, who will turn two in May 2023, has experienced challenging side effects from his treatment, including diarrhea, nausea, vomiting and hair loss. “It’s been rough,” shares Chris. “You don’t think this kind of situation will happen to you, but it can happen to anyone.”

When asked what the IWK means to their family, Chris emotionally says, “The IWK is incredible. Without the team at the IWK, I don’t know that the outcome would be as favourable for Isaac and us.”

To support IWK patients like Isaac, please donate today. You can help ensure that the IWK continues to provide the specialized care it's known for by Maritimers.