Megan's miracle is working

Posted: Apr 26, 2010 5:32 AM by Jeannette Hynes
Updated: Apr 26, 2010 5:32 AM

Megan Phalen plans to be a doctor when she grows up, and thanks to a recent bone marrow transplant, she has a great chance of achieving that goal. This nine-year-old Colorado Springs girl has fought leukemia since she was three years old.

You may remember when News First 5 first met Megan. It was back in December when American Idol contestant Jason Castro performed a benefit - and a personal - concert in her honor.

A bone marrow transplant is a high-risk treatment for people with leukemia. For Megan, this transplant is likely her last chance for long-term remission.

She had the surgery in January.

When asked if she was scared, she replied, "No. I wasn't. That's because I've done this a lot."

The transplant, so far, is a success. Typically, a person will spend 100 days at or near the hospital recovering after this kind of procedure. Megan went home on day 83.

"I feel great," added Megan.

Three times a day, she takes a countertop full of medicine. The house has to stay germ-free and dust-free, and she has to wear a mask when she goes outside or away from her home. Her parents are juggling work schedules to make sure she stays healthy and makes her once-a-week checkups in Denver.

Megan says she's happy to be home and sleeping in her own bed.

"I missed seeing my sister and my baby brother and my step-brother," said Megan.

She says she already knows what she'll say to children when she becomes a doctor and helps to find a cure for cancer.

"I would tell them, 'it's o.k. It's going to be alright, and you're going to do great,'" said Megan.