Health Update: June 10, 2026
In support of
Brooklyn Hayward's Leukemia Fight
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Brooklyn Hayward's Leukemia Fight
Brooklyn hasn't felt well for the majority of the day, though she did have a little spurt of spunkiness. Unfortunately, her nausea has been pretty bad over the last several days.
Brooklyn had all sorts of people coming in to talk with her and Megan today. The oncologist is certain that Brooklyn does have secondary HLH s(HLH), which was triggered by the rapid progression of the B-ALL leukemia. One of the specialized tests sent to Cincinnati for review came back today and showed very elevated numbers related to sHLH.
Brooklyn's ferritin also continues to increase, which is a sign of HLH along with the enlarged liver and spleen. For reference, the normal range for ferritin is 15 to 77, and as of this morning, hers is over 22,000.
The results of yesterday’s bone marrow biopsy needed to come back with at least 25% blasts in the cells to further prove the HLH and leukemia, and Brooklyn's came back at 95% blasts in the cells. This is far more concerning than if it was just B-ALL because HLH is an extreme inflammatory response that can cause damage to the liver, bone marrow, and other organs. Because her liver is so enlarged and her numbers are so elevated across the board, the doctors are unable to administer the full doses for two if the chemo medications she needs as part of her treatment plan for the leukemia.
And due to the declining state of her liver, Brooklyn’s skin and eyes continue to turn more yellow every day from the increasing levels of bilirubin.
Brooklyn and Megan met with the neurosurgeon today as well. Because the oncologist and anesthesiologist had difficulty performing the spinal tap during the bone marrow biopsy yesterday, Brooklyn will be getting an ommaya reservoir, which is a surgically implanted device under the scalp. It will provide repeat access to the cerebrospinal fluid inside her brain and allow the doctors to remove fluid and administer chemo through the reservoir, without having to sedate her every time.
Occupational therapy also came in. The OT and Megan gave Brooklyn a shower. Unfortunately, Brooklyn became really lightheaded and dizzy while standing up during the shower. 😔
Neurology also stopped by to do some cognitive testing, and a psychologist came by to speak with Brooklyn as well.
Brooklyn had all sorts of people coming in to talk with her and Megan today. The oncologist is certain that Brooklyn does have secondary HLH s(HLH), which was triggered by the rapid progression of the B-ALL leukemia. One of the specialized tests sent to Cincinnati for review came back today and showed very elevated numbers related to sHLH.
Brooklyn's ferritin also continues to increase, which is a sign of HLH along with the enlarged liver and spleen. For reference, the normal range for ferritin is 15 to 77, and as of this morning, hers is over 22,000.
The results of yesterday’s bone marrow biopsy needed to come back with at least 25% blasts in the cells to further prove the HLH and leukemia, and Brooklyn's came back at 95% blasts in the cells. This is far more concerning than if it was just B-ALL because HLH is an extreme inflammatory response that can cause damage to the liver, bone marrow, and other organs. Because her liver is so enlarged and her numbers are so elevated across the board, the doctors are unable to administer the full doses for two if the chemo medications she needs as part of her treatment plan for the leukemia.
And due to the declining state of her liver, Brooklyn’s skin and eyes continue to turn more yellow every day from the increasing levels of bilirubin.
Brooklyn and Megan met with the neurosurgeon today as well. Because the oncologist and anesthesiologist had difficulty performing the spinal tap during the bone marrow biopsy yesterday, Brooklyn will be getting an ommaya reservoir, which is a surgically implanted device under the scalp. It will provide repeat access to the cerebrospinal fluid inside her brain and allow the doctors to remove fluid and administer chemo through the reservoir, without having to sedate her every time.
Occupational therapy also came in. The OT and Megan gave Brooklyn a shower. Unfortunately, Brooklyn became really lightheaded and dizzy while standing up during the shower. 😔
Neurology also stopped by to do some cognitive testing, and a psychologist came by to speak with Brooklyn as well.
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