Lucy Laws recovers from Aspergillosis and goes home

Submitted by Aspergillus Administrator on 30 April 2010

2 years ago we wrote in this blog of a little 3 year old girl who had contracted leukemia and then seemingly the final blow – invasive aspergillosis. Lucy and her medical team fought back against both diseases and by easter 2008 she was able to return home for the holiday. At that time it was a huge step but there was so much more to do.

Now, 2 year later we are delighted to note that Lucy has been given her last treatment of chemotherapy and is doing very well. Lucy is in remission and off treatment. Her doctors will have to monitor her for another 5 years but for now the news couldn’t be better.

Aspergillosis in patients with leukemia is so dangerous as the cancer itself and the chemotherapy can be very effective in removing the ability of their bodies to fight infection. Leukemia is a disease of the immune system so the immune system itself has to be wiped out to treat it. Once this happens Aspergillus can get into their bodies and grow unhindered until their immune system recovered. This is a straight race between Aspergillus and the immune system recovery which is all too often lost to the fungus.

Lucy is living hope to everyone that it is possible to recover from this dreadful infection & disease and we wish her all the best for the future.