27-year-old Kerri Paton was overjoyed to welcome her first child with husband Igor Topas, 28, a little over six years ago. Baby Amelia was born a healthy 6lbs 12oz. But shortly after Kerri gave birth, her doctor noticed the newborn had pale purple spots all over her body.

Once she was in my arms I just cried. I was so happy, Kerri recalls of the birth to UK news site yahoo!life.

Acute means that these types can progress rapidly.

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Amelia had to begin chemotherapy at just three weeks old. Luckily, after the first round of chemotherapy, Kerri saw that her babys lumps and spots were gone, though she still had a long way to go.

Amelia also endured a bone marrow transplant, or stem cell transplant, which is a procedure where healthy cells are transplanted into your blood or bone barrow.

After eight months of treatment, she was declared in remission by her medical team.

Six months later after hearing the joyous news of remission, during a routine follow-up, Kerri and Igor tragically learned that their baby girl had relapsed with AML. Igor had been on his way to the appointment when the doctor called Kerri and said she should come in as well.

I just knew it had come back, Kerry said.

What Are The Symptoms of Relapse in Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)?

In addition to more chemotherapy, Amelia needed another stem cell transplant.

Thankfully, the transplant worked, and Amelia has now been cancer free for five years. Just before Amelias recurrence, the Scottish couple had another baby, a son named Oscar, so theyre now a happy and healthy family of four.

Watching your kid sick it was horrible, Kerri said of all they have endured. At six years old, she noted that her daughter is just so funny and fiercely independent. Shes very strong-willed.

Added Kerri, Even though she went through cancer, her story doesnt end there.

Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a cancer that affects bone marrow, the spongy tissue inside of your bones. Its a rare cancer overall, but it is the most common type of leukemia in adults. Children rarely get AML.

Dr. Mikkael Sekeres, Director of the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Center Leukemia Program, Explains How AML Works

This disease is caused by DNA damage to the cells in your bone marrow that give rise to blood cells. Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues, white blood cells fight infections as part of the immune system, and platelets help stop bleeding. Those cells are damaged in AML, and the damage results in an overproduction of unnecessary white blood cells.

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a type of leukemia where the bone marrow makes too many immature lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell. It is also called acute lymphocytic leukemia, according to the National Cancer Institute.

Dr. Olalekan Oluwole, a hematologist with Vanderbilt University Medical Center, previously spoke with SurvivorNet about ALLs effect on the body and the type of treatments that work to fight it.

ALL is a type of cancer that is very aggressive, Dr. Oluwole told SurvivorNet. It grows very fast. Within a few weeks, a few months, the person will start to feel very sick. And thats why we will have to give it an equally aggressive type of treatment to break that cycle.

All About Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Dr. Oluwole also says the leukemia often resides in the bone marrow, and because it is an abnormal growth, it just keeps dividing.

It doesnt follow rules, and it doesnt stop, he told SurvivorNet. Not only that, because this is part of the immune system, the immune system is sorta like the police of the body. So those abnormal cells that have now become cancer, they have the ability to go to many places. They go into the blood, and they often go into the tissue or the lining around the brain.

As parents navigate their young ones cancer journey, its important to remember that childrens bodies may react differently to treatments because their bodies are still growing.

They may receive more intense treatmentsand they may respond differently to drugs that control symptoms in adults, the National Cancer Institute informs. Be sure to ask a lot of questions.

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Remember, youre not alone your childs oncologist and care team are there to guide you and provide information and answers. Oncological social workers can also be a vital resource to help you sort out the financial aspects of cancer treatment, as well as other cancer-related issues. Skilled psychologists and counselors can be accessed to help you maintain good mental health through your childs cancer journey, to the best of your ability.

Additionally, dont be afraid to reach out to your support system friends, relatives, etc. for help through this process. No one expects you to handle everything on your own.

Meanwhile, if youre wondering what you can do to ensure your child is getting the best treatment possible, consider the following recommendations from theNational Cancer Institute.

At SurvivorNet, we always encourage people to advocate for themselves when it comes to cancer and, more generally, healthcare. When it comes to a child, the parent must become the advocate.

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Its important to speak up about each and every issue that may concern you, no matter how minor, as even minor signs can sometimes clue doctors in on a potential cancer diagnosis. And catching it as early as possible is always ideal, as early detection may help with treatment and outcomes.

When It Comes to Health, Its Okay to Be a Little Pushy

Seeking multiple opinions is one way to make sure you or your child is getting the proper care and attention. You should also try to remember that not all doctors are in agreement. Recommendations for further testing or treatment options can vary, and sometimes its essential to talk with multiple medical professionals.

Every appointment you leave as a patient, there should be a plan for what the doc is going to do for you, and if that doesnt work, what the next plan is, Dr. Zuri Murell, director of the Cedars-Sinai Colorectal Cancer Center, previously told SurvivorNet. And I think that thats totally fair. And me as a health professional thats what I do for all of my patients.

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