Introduction of Leukemia

Leukemia is the most common cancer in children and teens, accounting for almost 1 out
of 3 cancers. Most childhood leukemias are acute lymphocytic leukemia, or also known as ALL.
Then the remaining cases are acute myeloid leukemia, or also known as AML. Chronic
leukemias are rare in children. Leukemia is a cancer that starts in early blood-forming cells
found in the bone marrow, the soft inner part of certain bones. Most often, leukemia is a cancer
of the white blood cells, but some leukemias start in other blood cell types. (Society, 2015)
Any of the blood forming cells from the bone marrow can turn into a leukemia cell. Once
this change takes place, the leukemia cells no longer mature in a normal way. Leukemia cells
might replicate quickly and not die when they should. These cells build up in the bone marrow,
massing out normal cells. In most cases, the leukemia cells spill into the bloodstream fairly
quickly. From there they can go to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes, spleen, liver,
central nervous system or other organs, where they can keep other cells in the body from doing
their jobs.
Background of Leukemia according to IDEA
.According to the IDEA children who have leukemia fall under the help of Early
intervention services. Usually, the bone marrow in our bodies produces white blood cells to
defend against infections. Leukemia develops when the marrow produces too many white blood
cells and whats produced is abnormal. Leukemia is considered a cancer of the bone marrow and
blood.
Symptoms of ALL, the most common ones of children 19 years and younger, include:
tiredness or no energy, shortness of breath during physical activity, pale skin, mild fever or night
sweats, slow healing of cuts and excess bleeding. Also some other ones are black and blue marks
which are known as bruises for no clear reason, pinhead-size red spots under the skin, aches in

bones or joints, such as in the knees, hips or shoulders and low white cell counts. If a child has
some of these symptoms they should see a doctor.
The nature of Leukemia
Treatment is divided into two phases. The goal of the first phase, called induction. This is
to kill as many cancer cells as possible and achieve remission, which is a state where there is no
sign of disease in the body. The second phase called post-remission, consolidation, or
continuation therapy; this is designed to remove any faint leukemia cells. (Emi H. Caywood,
2012)
Some children may have emotional or psychological problems that need to be addressed
during and after treatment. Depending on their age, they may also have some problems with
normal functioning and school work. These can often be solved with support and encouragement
from parents and teachers. Doctors and other members of the health care team can also often
recommend special support programs and services to help children after treatment. Many experts
recommend that school aged patients attend school as much as possible. This can help them
maintain a sense of daily routine and keep their friends informed about what is happening. Also
it can help them keep them active with children their own age and so that they can still live a
normal life.
IEP
In my IEP I would make sure to be aware of the challenges that are ahead. Like all cases
there are challenges but a child who has cancer has more things that he or she cant control. I
would not base his IEP off all the standards that other students are held to because they need to
be based off of their individual abilities. Plans will need to be changed as the childs needs
change. Its important to stay in touch with the parents even after plans are set up to help support

the child while in school. It is also very important to keep the child in mind and understand they
are going through a hard process.