chemo not working

[joemc34606]

Hi everyone, I am a member of this forum because I have hepatitis c and am on treatment for it now. My question is for one of my employees, he has a 18 year old son with leukemia, they have treated him for 10 days with chemo and are watching him for 20 days. Today he found out the chemo isnt working and they want to try a stronger chemo. He was told that its something they dont use very often and the side effects are worse, if they can get any worse. My question is what is this medicine and is anyone using it? Thannk you good luck to everyone joe

[Ken_PA]

Hi, unfortunately there are no longer any doctors that answer questions here.

Sorry to say, ma'am, but the outlook is not good. The 'acute" in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia means that it progresses rapidly. My amateur guess is that it's a matter of a few months or even weeks. But that's just a guess and the truth is that some people last much longer than what the averages say. So you can never really know. A reason that doctors don't usually like to give a time prediction is that hearing it can discourage a person - and make them give in to the prediction.

Perhaps a good sign is that she has a strong physical constitution and also willpower. After all, she lasted 4 months while receiving harsh chemo. Some don't. She came back from the stroke, instead of just giving up. Maybe she will be one of those who astound everyone by how well she does.

She's also lucky to have you helping her. You deserve a lot of praise.

[dukeson]

I have a friend who has been in hospital for 4 months and has had 6 rounds of strong Chimo, after the last test they said that the Chimo has not worked and would give her another round with someother drug that could make her bleed. She has already had one brain bleed that paralysed one side, but she fought it and now has 90% of fuction back. She decided to stop, so she has no treatments or tests now.  She came home 2 weeks ago and is actually enjoying her life. The doctors said once the Chimo was out of her body it would be just a matter of time. I know it is difficult to say but has anyone any idea how long she may have? She has Acute Lymphatic Lukemia. the one children get. ( Hopefully the second word I wrote is correct) I am trying to help with the care giving.  Thank you

[Dennis MD]

Hi Joe.
Could you kindly clarify the type of leukemia and the particular chemotherapy regimen he was given.  I think 1 cycle of chemotherapy given will not provide that much information as to the status of the disease, whether it is responding or progressing.  The response to chemotherapy is usually assessed after 2 to 3 cycles of chemotherapy.  Should there be disease progression, a new regimen will be started.  
It will be difficult to tell what exactly is the “stronger chemo” the doctor suggested.  There are so many drugs used in the treatment of leukemia.  
Take care.