On April 26, 2019, the Transplantation Ward of the International Medical Center admitted a 5 - year -old boy named Lele (a pseudonym), who was suffering from aplastic anemia. This young fighter had already been given two chances at life by his parents. Having recently undergone a liver transplant from his mother, he now entered the transplant isolation unit to receive a hematopoietic stem cell transplant from his father, embarking on another arduous journey.
Aplastic anemia is a rare but serious blood disorder. According to medical statistics, the incidence of aplastic anemia in children is approximately 0.6 - 2.0 cases per million per year. In this condition, the bone marrow fails to produce enough new blood cells, leading to a significant decrease in red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which severely compromises the body's ability to carry oxygen, fight infections, and prevent bleeding.
The liver transplant left Lele with countless needle marks and noticeable scars. These physical "marks" transformed the once - lively and playful child into a withdrawn little boy who became increasingly silent.
The night Lele entered the transplant unit, his mother accompanied him in a rush, while his father and grandmother could only watch him through the glass of the isolation unit every day. Once, when Lele needed to leave the unit temporarily for a chest CT scan, his father and grandmother seized the opportunity to see him. Lele's face lit up with joy at the sight of them. His grandmother held him tightly, overwhelmed with emotion, praying for his swift recovery.
In the first few days after entering the unit, Lele's vital signs were relatively stable, and he had a good appetite. Since the transplant unit was fully enclosed, his three meals a day were sterilized outside and then delivered in. Lele would wake up early every morning, eagerly anticipating his delicious breakfast, devouring it with great gusto as if he could never get enough.
However, on May 29, the conditioning treatment began, marking the start of a painful period. A continuous stream of nutrients, chemotherapy drugs, and antibiotics were administered daily. Chemotherapy drugs, such as cyclophosphamide and antithymocyte globulin commonly used in aplastic anemia treatment, work by suppressing the immune system to make way for the new stem cells. But they also bring a host of side effects. Lele became listless, even more withdrawn, and lost interest in playing. The medical team and his mother watched him with deep concern.
On June 1, Children's Day, the medical staff gave Lele a toy car. His eyes sparkled with delight, and he clung to it, playing with it non - stop. Even when he fell asleep, his tiny fingers remained wrapped around the toy, a heart - wrenching yet endearing sight.
On June 4, bone marrow blood extracted from his father was transfused into Lele's body, marking a major milestone. After the transplant, Lele faced frequent and uncomfortable graft - versus - host disease (GVHD) reactions. GVHD occurs in about 30 - 70% of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant patients, where the transplanted immune cells attack the recipient's body. Despite these challenges, Lele showed remarkable resilience. To distract himself, whenever he had the energy, he would sit up and play. He developed a particular interest in test tubes and treatment bowls. When asked why, he replied that he wanted to become a doctor to heal the sick.
This answer deeply moved everyone. It was his personal experience of suffering that had inspired such a noble aspiration. For a child of his age to already think about helping others was truly remarkable.
As the days passed, Lele's white blood cell count steadily increased, a positive sign of his body's recovery. On June 21, Lele finally left the transplant unit. He could finally hug his father again, celebrating his first victory against aplastic anemia.
Lele's story is not just a tale of medical triumph but also a testament to the indomitable human spirit. It showcases the power of parental love, the dedication of the medical team, and the courage of a young child. We sincerely hope that Lele will continue to grow up healthy and happy, fulfill his dream of becoming a doctor, and bring hope and healing to many more in the future.
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