March 16, 2018
Ok, so we've hit another snag.
Remember when we got his blast cells down to 3%? Well, while we were dealing with the colitis, it came back up to 10%. That means next week we need to go another round of chemo and some different clinical trials. We'll be having a conversation with the chemo doctor early this coming week to see what method and process he'd like to use.
We could've made the decision to go ahead with the transplant, but it would've drove up his chances for trouble on the other side. We decided to go about it the right way to give him the best chances we could. This moves our homecoming back to probably middle/late August.
I was all ready to tell you guys the new schedule put him in transplant on April 11, but then the bone marrow biopsy came back with these results.
So please send some positive vibes our way. This was a bit of a kick in the teeth.
February 19, 2018
Ok, so today we found out that they want to wait just a bit on the transplant. The colitis is still there and they don't want to transplant until it's gone. Unfortunately there's no timeline on when they expect it to clear up, but if they go forward without addressing it, it could lead to much worse. He goes into another round of chemo and in two weeks they'll do another scope to find out if it's getting better. If it is, the transplant is happening as soon as they can make it happen. So far it's a minor delay. Keep those good vibes coming...think "infection free". Thank you from the bottom of my heart, my loves.
January 26, 2018
Heads up, we have a schedule! There are things leading up to it, but he's admitted to the hospital on Feb 21, and the transplant happens on Feb 28! We're a Go for flight, Houston!
January 16, 2018
In other news, the Help Hope Live fund took a giant leap forward today!! This is due to the wonderful benefit you guys had for us up there in the Mitten. How can we ever thank you enough?? <3 <3 <3 <3
January 16, 2018
Hey buddies! I know I haven't been updating very much lately, but to be honest, there wasn't much going on. It was treatments followed by labs and reviews, all pretty standard really...no real developments. Until Now.
The bone marrow biopsy he had yesterday revealed that his blast cells are down to 3% !! That's remission folks!!
We spoke to his transplant doctor today and they're going to start the process of getting their ducks lined up, and with any luck, he'll be in transplant by the middle or end of February. It's all hinging on the schedule of the donor.
But before he goes in for transplant, they're going to dose him with high level chemo for approximately three weeks prior, and that's going to be very hard on him. So please keep him in your hearts and prayers as we head into Phase 2. <3 <3
November 30, 2017
A donor has been found! We learned today that each of his half-sibs were all half matches, so the donor is coming from the bank. This is great news! Now we just need to get his blood levels where they need to be and then it's off to the races.
November 9, 2017
Gather round ye nobles. I finally have an update for you.
First a group hug for Spike, who is chasing those numbers down to where they need to be. His first bone marrow biopsy said his blast cells were up to 20%, which puts him in the leukemia category. Before they can do the transplant, they need to get it down to 5% or under. As of this newest biopsy he's down to 15%! It's working! Five down, ten to go! Way to go babe ❣
Next, we've signed him up for a clinical trial, one the doctors feel good about. It's to run concurrently with his existing chemo. The risks are bigger where side effects are concerned, but they're confident they can counter with treatments that will lessen them. It will hopefully get him ready for the transplant quicker.
So that's all good news!
Now, because they're going to start the clinical trial with his next round of chemo, we need to get our asses to Houston right quick. He's a few days overdue for his next cycle, so off we go. We're going back to Atlanta this Friday and need to cram our lives and the dogs in the car to head back to Texas by next Tuesday. It's a two day trip, we'll arrive by Wednesday, settle in on Thursday, and be ready for the new cycle with trials by Friday 11/17. Life is barreling forward and we must go with it.
I know you're wondering, so I'll tell you. Yes we did find a place to hang our hat for the next several months. Once we sign the rental agreement tomorrow I'll be able to pass along the info. But it's pretty perfect for our needs and the dogs too. We'll even have room for anyone who wants to come visit. And for those of you who know me, yes I love the kitchen, gas stove and all. I think this is going to work. It's going to be a financial challenge but we'll do what we have to.
Speaking of which, we want to say a heartfelt thank you to all who have sent help through the Help Hope Live website. We will spend the rest of our lives thanking you.
November 5, 2017
Monday it's all about the tests. Bone marrow biopsy, stress tests, echo. Tuesday and Wednesday are meetings with doctors and scientists. Thursday and Friday are looking around for our temporary residence. It's going to be a full week. But Jim and Annette are on our radar as well. Let's make some time...we miss you guys.
November 5, 2017
Ok, here we go. Off to Houston in the wee hours of the new clock and back home again on Friday. I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for all the sweet well wishes. I'll update as I can. Stay tuned.
October 27, 2017
Update on donors:
We heard from MD Anderson today that there are several hundred donors in the national bank that would be a potential match for Spike. This is great news and takes a big question mark out of the equation!
