Jandré is still cancer-free
Angélique and Pierre van Coller from Boksburg are grateful that their son, Jandré, will be celebrating another Childhood Cancer Awareness Month cancer-free. The six-year-old was diagnosed with early precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May 2019. Doctors in London strongly suggested he should be treated with two types of chemo, peg laspar and nelerabrine, which have
Angélique and Pierre van Coller from Boksburg are grateful that their son, Jandré, will be celebrating another Childhood Cancer Awareness Month cancer-free.
The six-year-old was diagnosed with early precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in May 2019.
Doctors in London strongly suggested he should be treated with two types of chemo, peg laspar and nelerabrine, which have only recently been approved in the United States of America.
The treatment worked and Jandré was in remission after a few months. The brave boy then had to undergo a bone marrow transplant on October 30, 2019, to ensure his health stays in a good condition.
According to Angélique, Jandré is doing well.
“Jandré went for a routine bone marrow biopsy yesterday and we just received the greatest news. He’s still cancer-free. We’re so humbled by the grace we are being surrounded with.
“We enrolled him at playgroup that he is attending every third day. It was a good choice. He’s another child. He’s laughing and playing.
“Furthermore, Jandré was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, which is a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred a few months ago.
“The fibrosis is irreversible and needs strict management to avoid any further scarring. Jandré is on chronic medication that will help relieve inflammation in his lungs and also various asthma inhalers to help his lungs function optimally.
“The lung scarring could be from his previous lung infections before diagnosis or from the transplant chemo. We would never know.
“Yes, news like fibrosis pushes me way down, however, I will never stay there. God made me a fighter. God’s grace allows me to keep trusting.
“He really picked up a lot of weight. He was on high dose corticosteroids for his lungs and we know that ballooning is a big side effect,” she explained.
Angélique expressed her gratitude to everybody that supported the family.
Also Read: Young Jandré set to get bone marrow transplant
Also Read: Parents need urgent support to help Jandré fight leukemia
