 |
Zane and Zac TaylorIdentical twins with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Date of Birth: 01.01.2011
|
Content:
- Identical Twins Diagnosed with Rare Form of Leukemia
- Inseparable and United
- Leukemia Strikes
- A Shocking and Rare Case
- Twin T-cell ALL
- A Clinical Mystery
- Intensive Treatment and Signs of Strength
- The Nature of ALL
- Types of Leukemia
- Symptoms of ALL
Identical Twins Diagnosed with Rare Form of Leukemia
Brothers Zayn and Zack Taylor had their bond shattered in a matter of frightening days when both were diagnosed with the same rare form of leukemia.
Inseparable and United
These identical twins shared every aspect of their lives. They took their first steps together, made the same friendships, and now, at the tender age of five, they faced the unimaginable horror of a shared cancer diagnosis.
Leukemia Strikes
In February 2016, Zack was diagnosed with T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) after two weeks of fever, rash, and lethargy. Zayn, who appeared healthy, had a low-grade fever. Concerned that it may weaken Zack's immune system, parents Bob and Marti took him for a checkup. To their horror, just 13 days later, Zayn was diagnosed with the same aggressive form of cancer.
A Shocking and Rare Case
"It's just mind-boggling," said Bob Taylor. "The thought of your two little children battling this is gut-wrenching. Even now, saying it's not real seems like a lie."
T-cell ALL is particularly rare in identical twins. While the majority of twins with cancer are diagnosed within the first year, the risk slowly diminishes thereafter. However, in 85% of cases, twins with leukemia have B-cell ALL.
Twin T-cell ALL
Dr. Rama Jasti Rao, the boys' oncologist, was astonished by the severity of their diagnosis. "The chances of both twins developing this particular type of leukemia, at their age of five, are minuscule. It's not something you ever expect," she stated.
A Clinical Mystery
Despite extensive testing, medical experts have been unable to determine the source of the twins' leukemia. The disease is known to originate before birth, but scientists are still puzzled by the timing of its development.
Intensive Treatment and Signs of Strength
Zayn and Zack are currently undergoing intensive chemotherapy together. Initially they struggled, but their parents now report that both boys are doing much better. Zayn bakes while Zack swims. They play with each other and their four-year-old sister, Zoe.
The Nature of ALL
ALL affects white blood cells, immune cells produced in the bone marrow. These cells play a crucial role in fighting infection. In leukemia, this process becomes uncontrolled, with immature and excessive cells accumulating in the bone marrow. These prevent healthy cells from developing, leading to anemia, bruising, and an increased risk of infection.
Types of Leukemia
The four main types of leukemia are: acute lymphoblastic, acute myeloid, chronic lymphocytic, and chronic myeloid. Chronic forms typically affect adults and are rare in children.
Symptoms of ALL
Symptoms of ALL include:- Fatigue and lethargy
- Easy bruising
- Prolonged bleeding
- Frequent infections
- Generalized malaise
- Pain
- Swollen lymph nodes
