Photo courtesy of Erge Edgu-Fry
For 14-year-old Arda Edgu-Fry, high school freshman year is filled with excitement – new classes, friendships, and sports. But beyond the typical teenage milestones, Arda carries a remarkable achievement: he is a childhood leukemia survivor. His story, a powerful example within Childhood Leukemia Diagnosis Stories, is one of courage, resilience, and the unwavering support that helped him overcome a life-threatening illness.
Arda’s battle began at the age of 7 when he was diagnosed with childhood leukemia. On January 5, 2015, his parents, Erge and Dan, received the devastating news: Arda had a rare and aggressive form of biphenotypic leukemia, exhibiting characteristics of both acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and acute myeloid leukemia (AML). This unexpected diagnosis turned their world upside down and marked the start of Arda’s challenging journey through childhood leukemia treatment.
“Arda’s symptoms appeared gradually in the fall of 2014,” Erge recalls. “We noticed swollen lymph nodes on his neck that kept getting bigger. Initially, blood work came back normal after two ER visits, but we persisted and consulted specialists, including an ENT. The ENT noticed the swelling wasn’t isolated to his neck; lymph nodes were also enlarged in his armpits, knees, and groin. This led to a referral to a pediatric oncologist. After further examination and blood tests, the oncologist recognized a concerning pattern and sent us to Texas Children’s Hospital. There, Arda underwent extensive testing, including a bone marrow biopsy.” The biopsy confirmed their worst fears. Shortly after, they met Dr. ZoAnn Dreyer, a hematologist-oncologist at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. “Meeting Dr. Dreyer for the first time was a turning point,” Erge explains. “We immediately felt we were in the best hands. She became our guiding light.” This pivotal moment underscores the importance of expert care in childhood leukemia diagnosis stories.
Arda was facing a highly aggressive cancer. Leukemia disrupts the normal function of white blood cells, which are crucial for fighting infections. In leukemia patients, these cells multiply uncontrollably, crowding out healthy blood cells in the bone marrow and blood. Given the rapid progression of Arda’s specific leukemia type, a swift and accurate diagnosis was paramount. Timely intervention, as highlighted in numerous childhood leukemia diagnosis stories, is critical for successful treatment outcomes.
Dr. Dreyer explained the treatment plan: “Chemotherapy is the primary approach to treat leukemia, aiming to eliminate as many cancerous cells as possible and induce remission. The specific chemotherapy regimen depends on the leukemia subtype and its aggressiveness. In Arda’s case, after one month of intensive induction chemotherapy, the cancer cell percentage in his bone marrow decreased significantly to 8%. Remarkably, after three months, a minimal residual disease (MRD) test showed no detectable cancer cells. Arda had achieved remission!” Following remission, Arda began maintenance chemotherapy for another eight months to solidify his remission and minimize the risk of relapse. This phase is a standard protocol in many childhood leukemia treatment stories, ensuring long-term disease control.
For three and a half years, Arda bravely endured his treatment. While he found the week-long steroid treatments particularly challenging, his determination never wavered. His positive attitude was a source of strength for his parents, who witnessed their son undergo intensive cancer therapy.
“During the initial year, Arda had four cycles of inpatient chemotherapy, each requiring three to four days in the hospital,” Erge recounts. “The remaining treatment was administered at home or as an outpatient. Once he entered the maintenance phase, he received monthly outpatient IV chemotherapy at the infusion center, including a week of steroids, and daily oral chemotherapy pills. Arda’s resilience was significantly boosted by his incredible support system, both at home and at the hospital. Dr. Dreyer and his nurses were exceptional, becoming like family. They connected with Arda on a personal level, which meant the world to us. He also formed a special bond with David Hay, a hospital volunteer who taught origami. David made a point to visit Arda during every inpatient stay and remains a part of our extended family to this day. He was even there when Arda rang the end-of-treatment bell. We forged many lasting friendships during this journey.” These supportive relationships are a recurring theme in uplifting childhood leukemia diagnosis stories, demonstrating the power of community.
May 2018 marked a significant milestone in Arda’s fight against leukemia – his final chemotherapy treatment. However, Arda and a friend, diagnosed around the same time, decided to wait until their port catheters were removed to ring the end-of-treatment bell together. This symbolic act signified the end of their treatment chapter and the beginning of their lives as cancer survivors, a powerful moment celebrated in many childhood leukemia survivor stories.
Today, Arda is cancer-free and thriving. He continues to see Dr. Dreyer regularly through the Long-Term Survivor Program at Texas Children’s Cancer Center. This program, one of the few pediatric programs of its kind in the US, provides lifelong monitoring for over 1,800 survivors like Arda, addressing potential delayed side effects from cancer treatments. The existence of such programs is crucial for the long-term well-being of individuals featured in childhood leukemia diagnosis stories, ensuring comprehensive care beyond active treatment.
“A childhood cancer diagnosis impacts the entire family,” Erge emphasizes. “Our family sought to find positives amidst the challenges. Meeting Dr. Dreyer was our silver lining. We feel incredibly fortunate to have her as part of Arda’s care team. As physicists, my husband and I are naturally data-driven and asked countless questions. Dr. Dreyer patiently addressed every concern. We deeply respect her expertise, and most importantly, Arda trusts and loves her. Their connection is remarkable.” This trust in medical professionals is a vital component in navigating childhood leukemia diagnosis stories successfully.
Erge highlights the importance of support systems in navigating the arduous journey of childhood cancer. Family, community, and support groups, like The Periwinkle Foundation – which organizes summer camps for children with cancer and their siblings in collaboration with Texas Children’s Cancer Center – were invaluable. Arda cherished his time at Camp Periwinkle.
“We are eternally grateful for the support we received, especially as we had three other children to care for,” Erge concludes. “For families facing similar challenges, remember to prioritize self-care and take each day as it comes. There is a vast network of support available.” Arda’s story, a beacon of hope within childhood leukemia diagnosis stories, underscores the importance of early diagnosis, comprehensive treatment, and unwavering support in overcoming childhood leukemia.
To learn more about Texas Children’s Cancer and Hematology Center, the Long-Term Survivor Program, and their commitment to changing lives for children and families affected by pediatric cancers and blood disorders, please Click here.
