Go Fight Win

I have acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-cell ALL). It is actually not rare, but definately not common. I have some abnormal chromosomes in my genetics, and my kidneys were effected in the beginning which is also not usual for leukemia.  All this means I do not fit the standard mold. Huh. Go figure.

I am in remission.  The last bone marrow biopsy showed no cancer cells. (Or if there were any, there were too few to count.)  In remission, we want the best long term course of treatment to prevent a relapse of cancer. The chance of getting into a second remission after a relapse are uncommon, so we want to continue treatment quickly and aggressively.

We had our talk with Dr. Morris about long term treatment plans. The two choices are chemo only, or chemo and radiation with transplant. It's a big choice. They have a team of 4 doctors and I don't know how many physicians assistants, nurses, and transplant coordinators who have been studying the case.

There is a 10% better chance of cure with transplant.  The doctor recommended transplant, so we will do the transplant. My brother, Ed, is a full match and will donate via a simple blood draw from a vein.  Then they do whatever they do to process out the stem cells and I receive it as an infusion.

My recovery, however, will be a bit tougher. The chemo and radiation are stronger and has a higher risk of side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, rashes, mouth sores, etc. 

In addition, the transplant itself has a risk of graft vs host disease (GVHD).  This can be just a rash, or progress to liver, stomach or intestinal disorders. There are drugs to mitigate the effects. They suppress the immune system, so once again I will be susceptible to infection. 

The time frame for being on the drugs for GVHD could be 8 months or up to 2 years for a chronic case. The drugs used also can cause emotional side effects. Cool. <<sarcasm. But it will help to know the side effects are temporary.

I was warned that I will get stir crazy: no crowds, no shopping, limited visitors, etc.  I am already experiencing it, but it's something I have to endure as long as I am on the GVHD drugs, but as a minimum through Christmas. The last thing I need is to be hospitalized for an infection. Maybe I will just become Bubble Girl. There. That's safe.

As far as a timeline, I will get another round of chemo (2B) on or about September 2nd.  This may begin the process.  I am not sure. 

But I am getting ahead of myself. This is a big matzo ball. The easiest thing to do is take this one day at a time, all the while accepting nothing short of beating the odds and being cured expeditiously.

Have I told you how lucky I am? First of all, I had a choice. Second of all, I have an immediate donor. Not everyone gets one. Thanks, bro! (As if "thanks" is enough!)

I have to acknowledge you, my faithful supporters, for allowing me to share this with you. It's not a fun journey, but it's ... ummm  .... interesting. 

Lastly, I leave you with a song in your heart, and a couple of funny photos.

"Stop and smell the roses as you're walking by."    http://youtu.be/JuqR6tAfa2M

Kent has the gift of being able to sleep anytime, anywhere.

Guess who donated platelets! 

Mom had never even donated blood before.