Monday, October 26, 2009

New News

We traveled to OSU James Cancer Center almost 2 weeks ago. We went on a rainy Wednesday, not a good day to drive or hear bad news, which we didn't expect to hear. When the doctor came in to greet us, he almost immediately began talking about a transplant, based on the .3% leukemia cells that had shown up in September when Dr. Marinella did the last biopsy. We were certainly taken aback, we had not expected to hear what we did from him. The doctor suggested that we do another bone marrow biopsy and have Ryan get typed for bone marrow in case a transplant was necessary. We also talked with a financial counselor so we would know what to expect if the transplant was needed.

We left Columbus feeling very dismal. I spent a while trying to think of good things that would come from a transplant. It would cut the chances of a relapse in half, it would also mean that Ryan wouldn't have to be on chemo pills for 2 years and we could have children sooner than that. We waited a long week before OSU called us back with results. The bone marrow biopsy they did there came back clean, no leukemia present. We are still waiting on a genetics test they did, but the doctor does not think anything will show up on it because of the clean biopsy. As long as the genetic test comes back looking like the doctor expects, then he will not be suggesting a transplant at this time, we would just follow the 2 year chemo regimen that he's currently on.

Meanwhile, we're enjoying the nice weather and our new porch!



4 comments:

  1. On the surface, this sounds like great news. Is the James saying no bone marrow transplant now and continue with the plan outlined in paragraph 2??

    My husband, Jim, has been a patient at the James for over a year. They have been the best.

    Hugs and prayers to you both,

    Elaine

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  2. April -

    You're still in my thoughts and prayers a lot, and I check here once in awhile, but thanks for sending the email reminder. It's great to see the porch and Ryan playing in the leaves w/ Aubrey. Hope things continue to look up!

    gretta

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  3. What great pictures! Your picture (from last Christmas) is on our frig. We think of you and pray for you often. When you are up for a little break/vacation come down and see us (of course you would stay with us!).

    Love you all!
    Sherry

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  4. April and Ryan,

    This is great news! Thanks for the update.

    Looking for the positive in the situation is such a godly way, April you are amazing! However, Uncle John thinks waiting to have more children might not be such a bad idea, since that other one of yours isn't like a cute, happy little girl or anything. Maybe adoption is the way to go! Just kidding - HA HA. We love you guys and really do miss having Aubrey on Friday nights.

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