Dear friends and family.
Today we learned that Carol’s Leukemia cell blasts have returned after the chemotherapy and bone morrow transplant she just underwent.
One positive and hopeful sign is that there are still plenty of the donor cells in Carol’s bloodstream to proceed with another milder chemotherapy drug and a Lymphocyte transfusion with the intention to give the remaining donor cells a much needed boost to fight Carol’s stubborn Leukemia cells.
Starting on the 30th of this month (+/-), Carol will be given a chemotherapy drug called Vidaza, which can be administered via IV during a 7 day period, without a hospital stay.
Dr. Tomblyn explained that Vidaza could probably be administered on an outpatient basis at Dr. Chu’s local practice in Sarasota.
We expect this drug to bring Carol’s Leukemia cells into remission and mostly to help avoid the progress of GVHD. (Graft Versus Host Disease)
Only 4 weeks after the GVHD is under control, or “mostly” under control (small % is OK), a Lymphocyte transfusion harvested from her original donor could be transfused.
I know this is a pretty confusing explanation. If anyone needs some clarification, either Daniel or myself will try our best to do it, in person, via email or by phone. Please let us know.
Thank you again to all of you for calling, writing, texting, or just thinking about Carol.
Sincerely.
Jaime
Thank you for this update, Jaime. I didn't want to call last night, but I have been patroling the blog waiting for some news. Heartfelt hugs to all of you as you prepare for this next round.
ReplyDeleteI too am a constant lurker on the blog. Would you guys like company?
ReplyDeleteThanks for this update. Carol, in my mind I am hugging you every minute.Close your eyes and say a few "OHM's" I'm there with you.
ReplyDelete