Japanese swimming star Rikako Ikee, who has been battling leukemia since she made her diagnosis public in February of this year, has been officially discharged from the hospital as of today, December 17th.
Per a post on her official website, as well as social media outlets, Ikee’s camp confirms that she has been specifically battling acute lymphocytic leukemia and underwent chemotherapy. During treatment, ‘complications occurred, making it difficult to continue chemotherapy, therefore, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation was performed.’
The statement continues that the 19-year-old sprint free and fly specialist is in remission and stable and has been discharged from the hospital, though she will continue treatment as an external patient.
Swimming-wise, she says she will start building physical fitness on land while consulting medical staff regarding competition possibilities.
Ikee had been chronicling her treatment through her official website, while also enrolling in Nihon University’s College of Sports Sciences. We also reported how she recently has been able to perform light exercise via a stationary bike in her hospital room, while she also was able to enjoy a short visit outside the hospital with her family.
Ikee’s coach Jiro Miki told Asian media earlier this year, ”She’s [Ikee] getting better day by day. She’s really battling it with a positive mindset, so sometimes she even gives me energy. I’m really impressed.” (Kyodo News)
Asian media reported in June that medical caregivers are not ruling out the possibility of a run at the 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo, although Ikee included a note with her announcement that she is targeting the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris.
“I want to do my best with the goal of participating in the 2024 Paris Olympics and winning medals”, reads Ikee’s message.
Does anyone know the details of her diagnosis like exactly what type of leukemia she had? I’m assuming acute lymphoblastic or acute myeloid?
Maybe she can get in shape enough to swim the 100 fly in Tokyo. That would be quite a comeback from leukemia.
10 months in hospital . Complications from chemotherapy (!!!) Stem cell .
My reading is that it was close & traumatic . The good news is it is over for now. Thanks to all the ppl who developed or underwent this treatment when it was experimental in the 90s for Non Hodgkin lymphomas & now see it transferred to the many 1000s of ALL .It was very hard work . Unfortunately the ( Australian ) dscoverers of stem cells & pioneers of the application to therapy & cure have never received even a nomination for the Nobel Prize . I look every year but no .
And And And this whole treatment was covered by the Japan health system .… Read more »
The words are not open but it appears they went for a donor stem cell transplant . If it were her own ( autologous) , she eould have needed a remission to harvest the cells .
She is still young, has enough time. I hope she will fully recover physically and mentally too.
Very impressive for a 19-year-old. Very mature and positive thinking. In her original statement she did say it was hard and there were moments she felt negative, but there are truly valuable lessons she has learned from this experience that she would not have if she had not got sick.
10 months in the hospital. With complications. Poor thing. Do whatever keeps your spirit high. I hope you are surrounded with right wise loving people who will help you with that. If it is swimming then let it be swimming. Just a teenager… Life is unfair.
One of the brightest young stars in our sport!