Kyle Dean Smith Rehospitalised as Leukemia Makes a Comeback

On January 10, 2009, then 10 year old Kyle Dean Smith was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Monocytic Leukemia. This is a condition that has attacked two of his cousins in the past with fatal results. The year that has followed has been a difficult one and community support for the boy has been utterly amazing.

Smith received a bone marrow transplant on May 12, 2009 and, after a harrowing time of recovering from the side effects of chemo, returned home to Elkhorn City, KY. on August 18, 2009. The whole town turned out to watch Smith be escorted home in the fire truck.

His hair grew back and all tests came out fine until November 13, 2009 when his doctor informed his mother that his own cells were coming back. In fact, he had 75% of the donor's cells, but 25% of his own. After a stressful weekend of worry, more conclusive testing was done at the University of Kentucky's Children's Hospital on November 16th. On the 17th the family was informed that Smith's own cells were not healthy- the leukemia was making a comeback.

The staff at U.K. Children's kept Smith- now 11 years old- in hospital. After several days of testing to determine the over-all health and strength of his body, a new plan of attack was implemented. A new chemo drug that is just out of developmental stage has been applied with his mother's permission in an effort to slow or stop the production of the unhealthy cells. Already it has effected Smith's appetite and energy. He has experienced a great deal of pain again as the unhealthy cells fight to survive.

If this new chemo is successful, the staff might consider administering a donor leucocyte infusion. These are just the leucocyte cells from the original donor and is meant to promote the grafting of the original transplant. it should also boost Smith's immune system so that he will be stronger in case more aggressive action should become necessary. It is not yet known whether Cincinnati Children's Hospital will take over his treatment again or whether their involvement will be needed, but they are aware of the situation.