Mom had to have another bone marrow today because the first one did not have conclusive results. The results came back today and unfortunately she still has a significant amount of leukemia:( . The doctors presented two options for treatment--chemo or another clinical trial. The better option right now would be the chemo that includes different drugs that she hasn't had yet. She'll get the ARA-C again, along with VP-16 & Carboplatin. There are some significant side effects that can happen and are likely because we are starting chemo so close to the last round (hair loss, mouth sores, diarrhea, etc.). Again, this is still a risky option, but there would still be a potential option to try something else if this doesn't work. The chemo will start tomorrow and go for three days, then a few days of rest, then three more days of chemo...then we'll wait for another count recovery and get a bone marrow to see if she's cleared enough to go for transplant. Mom will be in the hospital for at least a few more weeks.
Dad had also decided this week to start on disability so he'll be able to be at the hospital more.
Keep the prayers coming...Lord knows we need them!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Preliminary Results
Just briefly, Mom had her bone marrow biopsy today...after several attempts:( It might take 3-4 days to get all of the final numbers, but the preliminary results are disappointing. It appears that there are still blasts:( Pending the final results we will need to decide the next steps. We will know more when we can get the information from the doctors and then we'll need to make our decisions. We appreciate your continued prayers and support. Thank you to everyone!!
Sunday, April 22, 2012
Waiting game...
Mom was admitted on the 10th and her chemo started the following day or so. She only got chemo for about 4 or 5 days, so then the waiting game starts. This Tuesday (4/24), Mom will get another bone marrow biopsy to determine if this round of chemo has worked. If it worked, then we wait for the counts to recover and start the road to the Stem Cell transplant. If it didn't work, then she'll get another round of chemo and we'll pray for it to work.
We will update more on that front when we know.
Now, for Dad...he has completed the work up for the liver transplant team, which he was doing for the last several weeks while Mom was admitted. After his PETscan, there was a need for more bloodwork. There is a potential that he may need the y-90 treatment afterall, but we will know more after he meets with Dr. Kwo on Wednesday. When we know more about Dad, we'll update too.
Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers. We certainly believe in them and believe that they will work!
We will update more on that front when we know.
Now, for Dad...he has completed the work up for the liver transplant team, which he was doing for the last several weeks while Mom was admitted. After his PETscan, there was a need for more bloodwork. There is a potential that he may need the y-90 treatment afterall, but we will know more after he meets with Dr. Kwo on Wednesday. When we know more about Dad, we'll update too.
Thank you to everyone for all of your prayers. We certainly believe in them and believe that they will work!
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Admission Time
Mom is back in the hospital as scheduled. On Monday she had several tests and things that needed to happen before she got to 3 East. She had bloodwork and labs, an echo & EKG, she had to get a PICC line (which needed to be readjusted after it was placed), and she had to get a bone marrow biopsy--which took 3 attempts. That is VERY painful for one attempt, so needless to say, after 3 attempts Mom was in a bit of pain. Later that afternoon she was admitted back to her "hospital home"...3 East. She will probably be admitted for 4-5 weeks.
Chemo was scheduled to start today after the labs and tests came back, but there was a bit of a delay with one of the tests, so chemo will start tomorrow. Mom did have to get blood today and she spent the day organizing some photos so she can put together some photo albums (gotta do something to stay busy)! Dad has a busy week this week with tests and appointments too, so he won't be with Mom as much this week. The good news is that he's met his goal weight, so hopefully we'll be reporting that he's on the transplant list soon. We'll be sure to update on both of them!!
While Mom is admitted, she can have visitors, emails, cards, and such, but cannot have fresh fruit or flowers. Her address is 3 East, Room B-14, IU Simon Cancer Center (535 Barnhill Drive Indianapolis, IN 46202-5116). Her laptop and cell phone are with her, so she can get emails and phone calls--but remember, she doesn't have texting:)
Thanks again to everyone for all of your prayers and support!
Find the C.U.R.E.!
Melissa
Chemo was scheduled to start today after the labs and tests came back, but there was a bit of a delay with one of the tests, so chemo will start tomorrow. Mom did have to get blood today and she spent the day organizing some photos so she can put together some photo albums (gotta do something to stay busy)! Dad has a busy week this week with tests and appointments too, so he won't be with Mom as much this week. The good news is that he's met his goal weight, so hopefully we'll be reporting that he's on the transplant list soon. We'll be sure to update on both of them!!
While Mom is admitted, she can have visitors, emails, cards, and such, but cannot have fresh fruit or flowers. Her address is 3 East, Room B-14, IU Simon Cancer Center (535 Barnhill Drive Indianapolis, IN 46202-5116). Her laptop and cell phone are with her, so she can get emails and phone calls--but remember, she doesn't have texting:)
Thanks again to everyone for all of your prayers and support!
Find the C.U.R.E.!
Melissa
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)