November 18th, 2004

First, I need to thank God for the peace and hope I have. It is truly a miracle to be so reassured in a difficult time. I also want to thank you who are praying for me. It is evident that God is working through the prayers of His people.

When originally diagnosed, my white cell count was 171,000. At the last update on 11/3 my white cell count was 70,000. My white cell count on 11/9/04 was 13,500 and on 11/16/04 was 4,500. I‘m normal for white cells. My red cell and platelets are approaching normal. Since my hematology was so improved, I am no longer taking the Hydroxyurea or Allopurinol.

The only medicine I am currently taking is Gleevec, the wonder drug that targets only the leukemic white cells. A good sign that the Gleevec is working on the leukemic cells is the fact that I had about 3% blast white cells when originally diagnosed. The 11/16/04 blood test showed no appreciable number of blast cells. Blast cells are immature leukemic cells and the number in the blood indicates how accelerated the CML is getting.

The blood tests I am now taking are called a CBC test. Its ability to detect blast cells is not as good as other tests so the actual number of blast cells in my blood is not known. However, the number is less than the CBC test can detect and less than what I started with. The Dr was surprised by how fast my blood count is correcting. This is a good sign. I will have to wait a few weeks (or months) longer to find out how well the Gleevec specifically works on me.

I have been very blessed so far by no appreciable side effects from the chemo. It is pretty cool the way Gleevec has so greatly affected the treatment of CML.