Understanding Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL)
- Former “90 Day Fiance” star Deavan Clegg’s five-year-old Taeyang has beat B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a blood cancer that he has been battling since he was three years old. He rang the bell to commemorate his cancer treatment ending this month.
- Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or 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.
- A child’s cancer diagnosis affects the entire family so when assuming the role of a caregiver, it’s important to remember to be your child’s biggest advocate so they receive the best care possible. This includes making sure any concerning symptoms are fully and expeditiously addressed.
"90 Day Fiance Star" Deavan Clegg's five-year-old son Taeyang has finally beat an aggressive type of cancer called B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), a disease he's been fighting since he was three years old. To commemorate the milestone event, Clegg, 27, took to Instagram to share a touching video of her so. The footage starts with Taeyang clapping while those around him, some which appear to be nurses, sing "no more, no more chemo," to the tune of Queen's "We Will Rock You."
After the song concluded, someone is heard telling Taeyang, "Ok, this is the moment where you celebrate finishing treatment. There's a little poem here. Do you want me to read it for you? It says 'Ring this bell three times real well.' It's told to clearly say 'My treatment's done, this course has run, and now I'm on my way.' So pick it up and ring it three times really hard." Taeyang then proceeds to live up the bell and shake it in the air, with a huge smile on his face. The adorable child cancer survivor—who bravely fought acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), which is a very aggressive type of leukemia where the bone marrow makes too many immature lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell—then received a certificate and a present, one of them being a dinosaur play set. Clegg wrote alongside the
heartwarming footage , "After a grueling two years and three months, we are thrilled to announce that Taeyang is now cancer-free! The journey has been filled with challenges and triumphs, and I have gained a wealth of knowledge and gratitude throughout it all. "Taeyang’s resilience and bravery have been truly inspiring, making him the strongest person I know. I am immensely grateful to all of you who have supported us during this difficult time - your love and encouragement have been our rock." She continued, "A special thanks to the dedicated doctors and nurses who have not only provided exceptional care but have also become like family to us. "And to Make-A-Wish, your contribution to this journey has made a world of difference. We are forever thankful for your incredible support. #cancerawareness #bellringing #cancerbell #childhoodcancer." Clegg's thoughtful post prompted joyful emotions from her followers, with one fan writing, "Amazing news!!!! This made me [tear]. What a brave boy he's been for two years & three months. What a fighter. Your [going to] have an amazing bright future ahead of you Taeyang." Another fan wrote, "I know we don’t even know each other, but I can honestly say that this post made me cry as though we were related. I have been following you, and Taeyang’s cancer journey since day one. "I have prayed for him always. I can’t explain how happy this news makes my heart. I will continue praying that our Lord, and Savior, and Angels, continue to protect Taeyang always. Blessings to you, Taeyang, and your beautiful family."
Taeyang’s Leukemia Journey
Deavan Clegg first announced
Taeyang’s diagnosis on her Instagram page on May 31, 2022. In the post, which revealed a photo of her son playing with toys in looked like the inside of a hospital, she wrote, “I have vowed to always be 100% transparent with you guys and I am choosing to share the most vulnerable and saddest point of my life right now in hopes it can help give anyone else dealing with a similar situation some strength.”
Expert Advice On Caregiving
In the post, which revealed a photo of her son playing with toys in looked like the inside of a hospital, she wrote, “I have vowed to always be 100% transparent with you guys and I am choosing to share the most vulnerable and saddest point of my life right now in hopes it can help give anyone else dealing with a similar situation some strength.” “I’m overcome with so much emotion and devastation to announce that my beloved son Taeyang who just celebrated his third birthday last month was just diagnosed with childhood cancer, b-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia just a few days ago,” she added.
After announcing that her son had already started chemotherapy treatments, she informed her fans, “This is every parent’s absolute worst nightmare and I’m trying hard to stay strong for Taeyang, Drascilla and my baby in my tummy. “Taeyang will need around-the-clock hospital care and this will be a long two-year process that has a high success rate of full recovery in five years. I’m still processing all of this and asking for prayers, please.” Clegg had previously indicated that she had to stop her normal job to become Taeyang’s full-time caregiver. Because of this, she was having difficulty paying for his medical bills something so many survivors and their families are familiar with. Regardless, Clegg and her family have come a long way since her son’s diagnosis and it was clear Taeyang was coming closer to beating cancer, as per her most recent post. On
Taeyang’s fifth birthday on April 11, 2024, Clegg wrote on Instagram, “Happy Birthday to my warrior. I can’t believe you are 5 years old today. You are the strongest, bravest little boy I’ve ever met. Everyday I’m so thankful to wake up to you. You are amazing.” We're delighted he's now been declared "cancer-free" and has "rang the bell" to celebrate completion of his cancer journey.
Understanding Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia, or 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 talked with SurvivorNet about ALL’s 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 that’s why we will have to give it an equally aggressive type of treatment to break that cycle.”
All About Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia: Answers to the Most Common Questions About the Disease Dr. Oluwole also says the leukemia often resides in the bone marrow, and because it is an abnormal growth, it just keeps dividing. “It doesn’t follow rules, and it doesn’t 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.”
Coping with a Child’s Cancer Diagnosis
As parents navigate their young one’s cancer journey, it’s important to remember that children’s bodies may react differently to treatments because their bodies are still growing. “They may receive more intense treatments…and they may respond differently to drugs that control symptoms in adults,” the National Cancer Institute informs. Be sure to ask a lot of questions.
RELATED: Why Do Pediatric Drugs Take So Long to Develop? A Look into the Lag Time on Drug Approvals for Childhood Cancer & Other Illnesses Remember, you’re not alone — your child’s 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 child’s cancer journey, to the best of your ability. Additionally, don’t 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 you’re wondering what you can do to ensure your child is getting the best treatment possible, consider the following recommendations from the National Cancer Institute.
- Build strong partnerships: Communicate openly and honestly with your child’s care team. You want to build a solid relationship with the people treating your child so you feel confident asking any questions and discussing your child’s treatment path.
- Take advantage of the many specialists who can help your child: There are many people who can help you and your child after the diagnosis arrives. Don’t hesitate to ask for specialists to help you and your child learn about their disease, understand how it will be treated and cope with difficult emotions.
- If you get information online, make sure the source is credible: Doing your own research is a great way to advocate for your child, but it’s important you’re looking at reliable sources such as (but not limited to) the National Cancer Institute, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, National Comprehensive
- Cancer Network and American Society of Clinical Oncology, among others. Talk to doctors about what you’re finding and don’t hesitate to get multiple opinions regarding your child’s treatment path.
- Make sure you understand what your child’s health care team tells you: Y ou need to ask for clarification if something about your child’s diagnosis or treatment is confusing.
- Keep your child’s pediatrician updated : Make sure your child’s cancer care team is sending updates to their regular pediatrician.
Advocating for Your Child
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.
RELATED: The Top Ten Childhood Cancer Symptoms That Can Be Missed It’s 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, It’s 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 it’s 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 doesn’t work, what the next plan is,” Dr.
Zuri Murell, director of the Cedars-Sinai Colorectal Cancer Center, previously told SurvivorNet. “And I think that that’s totally fair. And me as a health professional that’s what I do for all of my patients.”
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff 
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