Hi, I'm Luca.
This page shares Luca’s journey–the challenges, milestones, and the hope that keeps us going.
Luca’s treatment journey started the moment he was diagnosed. Beginning on May 17, 2024, Luca spent 170 days in the hospital. Here’s an overview of what he’s been through so far:
May 17, 2024 – Round 1
This was the day everything changed for our family. Luca had his first surgery to place a central line in his chest, which would be used for giving chemotherapy and drawing blood. On the same day, he underwent his first bone marrow biopsy and later that evening he started his very first round of chemo—a tough and terrifying start to a long journey ahead.
July 05, 2024 – Round 2
Luca began his second round of chemotherapy. It was another intense period for him, and during this time, he also had another bone marrow biopsy to check on his progress. These biopsies are always incredibly nerve-wracking for us, but Luca handled it.
August 21, 2024 – Round 3
Round three of chemo started, and while it gave us hope for continued progress, it was also one of the toughest rounds yet. Another bone marrow biopsy. More secondary health problems from the chemo. Luca got pneumonia and he had to be isolated because of the risk of getting other patients sick. Everyone is so ready to go home.
October 10, 2024 – Round 4
The fourth round of chemo began, and this one was the most intense so far. Before this round started we get a phone call from the doctors and they want to have an in person meeting with us. They found out Luca’s subtype: AML with CBFA2T3::GLIS2 Fusion w/RAM phenotype. They have now placed him in the Very High Risk category and the doctors changed his original chemo regiment to one that is more intense.
December 30, 2024
We were originally scheduled to head back to the hospital for round 5 a few days before Christmas, but we asked if it could wait until after the holidays. Thankfully, the doctors were understanding and allowed Luca to spend this round at home. He still had to visit the clinic every day for a different type of chemo, but the other medication was oral and could be taken at home. It made all the difference to have him home for the holidays, surrounded by family and a little bit of normalcy.
This road hasn’t been easy, but every step forward is bringing us closer to the day we hope to hear the words, “cancer-free.” Watching Luca’s strength through all of this has been humbling, and it keeps us hopeful for what’s ahead.
Medical Challenges
Luca’s treatment journey has been incredibly demanding, and the chemotherapy has been taking a toll on his body.
Severe Side Effects from Chemotherapy
- Weekly blood and platelet transfusions are necessary as the treatment destroyed his bone marrow.
- Intensive medications led to high blood pressure, secondary hypertension, and enlarged kidneys.
- Being immunocompromised
Serious Illness During Round Four
- During his fourth round of chemo, Luca faced some of his toughest challenges yet,
- To sum it up– he had a bad lung infection, stomach infection, bone infection, kidney infection, decreased cardiac output. All side effects from the chemo.
Milestones & Victories
Luca’s 4th Birthday
We celebrated Luca’s 4th birthday at the hospital, surrounded by his care team and family. It wasn’t the celebration we had imagined, but it was filled with so much love and joy.
Coming Home After Chemo
One of the best parts of this journey has been the moments when Luca gets to come home after a long hospital stay. Being home gives him a chance to breathe and find some normalcy.
Finding Joy in the Little Victories
Even on the hardest days, Luca finds a way to brighten our world. I’ll never forget the time he had a procedure in the morning and by evening he was back to doing flips on the bed, laughing and playing like nothing had happened.
Family Visits
Having family fly in to be with us has meant so much to Luca—and to all of us. Their presence has been a comfort during some of the toughest times, reminding us we’re not in this fight alone.
Laughter
Luca’s sense of humor is one of his greatest strengths. Even when he’s not feeling well, he manages to crack jokes or say something funny that has everyone else laughing.
Support from Friends and Strangers
The love and support we’ve received from friends, family, and strangers has been overwhelming.