July 20, 2007

It is day +169. I just received a phone call from my doctor. The preliminary report (pathological) from the bone marrow biopsy last Monday shows no evidence of any leukemia in my marrow. The thorough report (cytogenetic) is a couple of weeks away. The first results tell I’m in remission and the second results how deep the total remission is. The first results are good news because with a remission the second stem cell transplant will have a much greater chance of long term success.

I will go into the hospital on August 2nd for a round of conditioning chemo. On day 14 after the start of chemo (August 16) I will receive the transplant. Then it is a long time of waiting, healing and recovery. I don’t know how long I’ll be in the hospital for this treatment. I hope not over 4 weeks.

Right now I am suffering with a lack of appetite and a lot of nausea. It is concerning not being able to eat and yet I continue to lose weight. I’m concerned that I’m going into another major treatment phase while only weighing 178 pounds, instead of 220.

There are several possible reasons for these symptoms, such as GvHD, effects of the last chemo, effects of having multiple rounds of chemo. I haven’t gotten a straight answer as to how we can attack the problem. There seems to be a lot of anti-nausea medicines to mask the problem, but no treatments to treat the source. I’m working on it.

Lately has been the lowest point for me emotionally. This process is getting quite long. I can’t express how important or helpful your prayers are. Please keep them up.