1.
WHAT IS LEUKEMIA?
Leukemia is the
invasion of the bone marrow by the abnormal white blood cells
called “blast” so that the production of red blood cells
stagnates. Leukemia is widely seen in the kids between the
ages of 2 to 5. We see approximately 1200-1500 new Leukemia
cases in Turkey every year.
2. WHAT ARE THE
NORMAL BLOOD CELL
TYPES AND THEIR FUNCTIONS?
Normal blood
cells can be collected under three groups:
Erythrocytes (Red
blood cells): carry oxygen to the tissues inside the body.
Leucocytes (White
blood cells): protect the body against viruses.
Trombosits (Blood
stamps): causes blood to coagulate.
The main center
for the production of blood cells is the bone marrow. They
grow from the stem cells there. A breakdown in the stem cells
causes the bad tempered cells called “blast” to spread through
blood circulation.
4.
WHAT IS A BLAST?
Blasts
are the
bad tempered cells seen in leukemia patients. Blasts that are produced
inside the bone marrow prevent the production of the normal
blood cells, and they do not carry out the duties of normal
blood cells.
Although it has
not been proved fully; the chemicals we face in everyday use
that cause genetic disorders, additive substances in
nourishments, medicines used, radiation, and toxic gases are
between the causing factors.
Although it can
be seen in every age group, it is widespread between the
children at the ages of 2 to 5.
Leukemia, in
general is not hereditary, but in some rarely seen leukemia
types it can be in question.
It is certainly
not contagious.
In leukemia, the
low number of leucocytes causes the defense system of the body
to weaken or disappear. Using masks is necessary for leukemia
patients to keep themselves away from the outside effects that
may cause other illnesses.
High temperature,
lack of appetite, paleness, growing in the lymph, red spots on
the body, nose and gum bleedings, parts of body to become
purple, bone aches and becoming thin are between the widely
seen symptoms of leukemia. Some other symptoms can also be
seen.
As the symptoms
listed above may also be the symptoms of so many other
illnesses, parents who notice some of the symptoms should
apply to the nearest health unit. After the blood tests they
should consult to a hematologist.
A specialist
doctor can make diagnosis. The medical methods used in the
diagnosis are, basic and advanced blood and bone marrow tests.
These terms stand
for two different types of leukemia. ALL (acute
lymphoblastic leukemia) mostly seen in children
when compared to the other types of leukemia. AML (acute
myeloblastic
leukemia),
another acute leukemia sub-type.
Yes. Leukemia is
a disease that can be cured. For example, in standard risk
ALL, the rate of full recovery is up to %91, but its medical
treatment is very expensive and long.
Leukemia disease,
when not medically treated, may turn in very bad results.
Without thinking if it is too late for treatment or not, one
should apply quickly to a medical institution.
Leukemia’s
treatment method is a long-term chemotherapy (drug therapy)
after the diagnosis, and if the experts decide its necessary,
(in %5 of the cases) bone marrow transfers.
The medical
treatment of the disease lasts approximately 2-3 years
depending on the sub-types of leukemia.
Success rate
differs depending on the group of leukemia disease. Success
rate in ALL standard risk groups is %91.
The treatment
protocols in countries abroad and in LOSEV-LÖSANTE Children’s
Hospital are common. The results here are being compared to
the ones of the foreign institutes.
A suitable center
for the treatment, a clean and sterile environment, healthy
nourishment and physiological support are very important
factors that positively effect the treatment.
Yes. Like other
medicines, the ones used in the treatment of leukemia have
also side effects. Mouth sores, weakening of the immunity
system, a decrease in the numbers of blood cells, bleeding and
diarrhea are side effects.
Another side
effect caused by the chemotherapy is the shedding of hair.
Together with the completion of the medication all the side
effects disappear and hair grows again.
The most
important point is to provide a clean and hygienic
environment. For example:
-
Clean, well cooked organic nutrition
-
Staying away from crowded places
-
Not
contacting people who may spread illnesses
-
Mouth and body hygiene
-
A
hygienic environment
All the medical
applications including inoculations must be done under the
control of the doctor of the leukemia patient. Especially
during the vaccination campaigns, children with leukemia
should not get vaccination without the permission of their
doctors. During their chemotherapy, routine childhood
vaccinations are not allowed.
25. HOW CAN I PROTECT MY CHILD FROM LEUKEMIA?
The most
important point that families must take care of is to provide
healthy and balanced nutrition and keeping them away from
foods with additives. All the food with carcinogen additives
may cause any kind of cancer.
26. WHICH MEDICINES ARE USED IN THE TREATMENT?
Together with the
medication, which is called chemotherapy, nearly 10 other
drugs are used in the treatment.
27. IS NUTRITION IMPORTANT?
Nutrition is very
important. The side effects of cemotherapy cause problems in
nutrition from mouth. Also the mucous membrane cells that
protect stomach-intestine system disappear. The foods that are
sterile, digestible and rich in calorie should be preferred.
28. WHAT ARE THE IMPORTANCES OF CLEANLINESS AND
HYGIENE?
Mouth and body
cleanness is very important for the child patients during
their treatment. Bacterias and microorganisms may cause wide
infections when the resistance of the body decreases. Again
the anal area, hands and feet must be kept clean. The sheets,
clothes, towels, underwear, forks, spoons etc. must be changed
frequently.
29. DOES
PSYCHOLOGICAL SUPPORT HAS A ROLE?
Like in any other
subject, morale carries a very big importance. The presence of
hope must be permanent. When the patient’s connections with
life is strong, than full recovery would be much easier.
30. DOES EVERY
LEUKEMIC CHILD GET BONE MARROW TRANSFER?
No. It is in
question only if needed in the last period of the disease. It
may be needed in %5 of the cases in general. Also the
appropriate donor must be found first.
31. WHAT ARE THE
FOODS THAT A LEUKEMIC CHILD SHOULD NOT EAT?
The patients
should not eat radish, quince, and carrot; and should not
drink water without boiling. Foods should be cooked at home.
32. IS THE
SCHOOLS’ BEING SO CROWDED A PROBLEM FOR THEM?
We recommend them
to attend school as long as their doctors permit. After they
start attending classes, our foundation gets in touch with the
principles and teachers of the children and collects
information about them. Schools tie our kids to life. Children
with leukemia can also attend our foundation’s school.
33. HOW MUCH
DOES IT COST TO KEEP A CORD BLOOD?
The first
transfer and refrigeration costs are between 1000-1200 USD in
world standards. On the following years a rental of 80-100 USD
must be paid. You can receive wider information from our CORD
BANK division.
34. HOW CAN I
MAKE A DONATION TO YOUR FOUNDATION?
You can make
donations to our bank accounts in any amount without paying
transfer fees. The bank deductions can be used as receipts.
You can also make your donations in cash or with credit card
by coming directly to our foundation. You will be given a
receipt by our foundation for your donations. Donations can
also be made through Internet.
TURKIYE IS
BANK
Mithatpaşa Branch
Ankara Office Code: 42 28 Account No: 47 30 00
ZIRAAT BANK
GOP
Branch Ankara Office Code: 09 20
Account No: 345
85 15-50 08 (TL)
345 85 18 – 50 06 (USD)
345 85 18 – 50 10 (EURO)
YAPI KREDI BANK
GOP
Branch Ankara Office Code: 477
Account No: 10 02 666 – 6
35. HOW CAN I
FOLLOW MY DONATION?
If you have made
donations through Internet, banks or by credit card, you can
post or fax the receipts to our foundation. You will receive a
certificate of recognition and our publishings. You can get
information about how and where your donations are used from
these publishings.
36. DO YOU HELP
MY CHILD WHO HAS ANOTHER TYPE OF CANCER OTHER THAN LEUKEMIA?
Today, we only
help children with leukemia in our foundation, but you can
apply to us, we may help you in some certain points.
37. DO YOU ALSO
HELP ADULTS, WHAT IS THE AGE LIMIT?
We give help to
our children with leukemia, who are not older than 16.
Different protocols are in force for patients older than 16.
For this reason, adult patients cannot take advantage of our
foundation’s treatment and substantial services.
38. WHAT SHOULD
WE DO TO DONATE BLOOD?
Urgent blood
demands occur for our children in state hospitals from time to
time. We receive information from our families about the blood
demands and right after being informed we contact our
voluntaries. You may point in our voluntary application form
that you
are willing to donate blood when needed. Simply leaving your
name and contact info to our Public Relations Department would
be enough for blood donation.
39. WHAT KINDS OF
DONATIONS IN KIND DO YOU ACCEPT?
We accept a wide
range of materials like coal, food, cleaning and stationery
materials and furnitures. The most requested materials are
computers right now.
40. DO YOU ACCEPT
SECOND HAND GOODS? HOW DO YOU PUT THE CLOTHES IN USE?
We transfer
second hand, washed and ironed, child and adult clothes of the
season, to our families in Ankara and other cities.
Other than these;
small furnitures like TV tables, couches, armchairs and
wardrobes, and functioning second hand white goods are
acceptable. We do not accept goods that are disfunctioning,
broken or older than 10 years; also torn and second hand
underwears, socks; encyclopedias given by newspapers and old
school books are not acceptable. We are sorry.
41. HOW CAN I
MAKE DONATIONS OF SECOND HAND WHITE GOODS?
We transfer your
donations of less used owens, washing machines or electronic
goods to our families, who are in need of them. Firstly, we
ask for information about the futures of the goods you are
thinking of donating and than determine which family is need
of it. Due to our foundation’s vehicles’ heavy schedule and
their limited capacity of carrying huge and heavy goods, we
ask you, our voluntaries, to help the transportation of these
goods to our foundation.
42. DO YOU ACCEPT
SACRIFICIAL ANIMALS, IF SO HOW DO YOU MAKE USE OF THEM?
We accept your
votive offerings as financial support and we are also capable
of doing the cutting. Our contributors may transfer their
donations of their sacrificial animals as financial supports
through the Presidency of Religious Affairs. Under these
conditions, we use your donations in the medications of our
kids fighting leukemia and in providing their medicines. If
the contributor wants, we do the cutting at Turkish
Aeronautical Association facilities and at our corporate
partner’s facilities. We use the meat in the meals of the
children in our hospital and distribute to our families with
low incomes.
43. HOW CAN I GET
LOSEV GIFTS AND HELP SELLING THEM?
The earnings from
the sales of LOSEV mugs, ceramic badges and greeting cards,
which are valuable works of Turkish painters, form an
important income for helping our children. You can receive
more information about our products from our website or from a
free catalogue that you can receive directly by visiting our
Foundation.
On holidays,
special days and at Christmas time you can reach our products
from gross shopping malls or from the Foundation.
44. HOW CAN I
MAKE DONATIONS WITH MY CREDIT CARD?
You can either
fill the donation form on our website or you may ask our
foundation to fax the “Credit Card Donation Form” to you. It
would be enough if you simply specify the amount, the payment
plan and your credit card information requested in the form
and fax to 0312 447 68 33.
45. SHALL I VISIT
THE HOSPITAL?
We accept minimum
visitors, in order to keep our hospital sterile and hygiene.
Sterilization and hygiene are two very important factors
during the medication of leukemia.
46. CAN I TAKE
THE RESPONSIBILITY OF MEDICATION AND NEEDS OF A SINGLE CHILD?
We provide aid to
more than 1500 leukemia stricken children and their families,
who are registered to our Foundation. Rather than undertaking
the treatment costs of a single child you can help hundreds of
them on their paths to healthy futures.
47. CAN I COLLECT
DONATIONS ON BEHALF OF YOUR FOUNDATION?
In accordance
with the Law on Foundations, third parties are not allowed to
gather aids without the authority of the Ministry of Interior.
It is a necessity to inform LOSEV Executive Board with a
written statement before developing a project or an activity
for LOSEV and transferring the incomes of these projects and
activities to its account. You can send your projects
together with your contact information by fax or deliver by
hand (Fax: 0312 447 68 33).
48. WHAT
PROCEDURES SHOULD I FOLLOW TO DONATE THE INCOME OF MY BOOK OR
ART PIECES?
The
organizations that require cooperation with our Foundation or
any other projects that are planned for the benefit of LOSEV
must be announced to the LOSEV Executive Board with a written
statement and they must be studied in frames of the specified
view. Due to heavy amounts of applications, they usually get
rejected.
49. I WOULD LIKE
TO BE A VOLUNTEER, WHAT SHOULD I DO?
You can fill the
Volunteer Membership form from our website. The Foundation
will send you feedback about your registration. You may also
visit the Foundation, six days of week between 08.30-18.30 and
fill the same form while receiving information from our
officials. Alternative ways are present for your aids and
contributions. We discuss together the best alternatives of
how we may cooperate. The discussion also helps you get more
information. You can contact our Foundation’s Public Relations
Department for your questions, problems and for further
information about the Voluntary Membership.
50. WHAT SERVICES
DOES LOSEV PROVIDE TO THE LEUKEMIC CHILDREN?
LOSEV gives
Health and Education scholarships realizing the medication
periods of the children with leukemia and their families’
social-economic levels. With magazines, bulletins and
symposiums it aims to give information about the disease. We
started accelerating the socialization period of the child
patient with the opening of the School of Children with
Leukemia. We take our kids, from all over Turkey, to trips
after their medications are over. We regularly provide food,
clothes and electronic goods to our registered families. All
the medication in our hospital, LOSANTE, is totally free of
charge. Other aids of LOSEV are specified through to the
demands of families. Our aim is to answer their needs by
studying their demands.
51. IS BONE
MARROW TRANSFER POSSIBLE IN LOSEV?
Our Bone marrow
unit is not in service yet. The unit’s infrastructure has been
completed. Hundreds of children of ours, who are in need of a
bone marrow transfer, will be brought to life with the opening
of the unit.
52. I AM A GREEN
CARD HOLDER BUT ADMINISTRATIVE DISTRICT DO NOT MEET THE
EXPENSES OF MY MEDICINES?
Administrative
district with in a province is responsible for providing the
medicines of green-card holders. In accordance with the law,
Administrative district is also responsible for the
outpatients’ medicines. If you do not receive aid, please
apply to the Governorship’s Social Aid Foundation in your
province.
53. WHERE CAN I
RECEIVE COAL AID?
It would be
enough to apply to the Administrative district if you are a
green card holder. LOSEV gives coal aid to its families by
applying to Districts.
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