Update from Jaime and Susan

Hi everyone.

Sorry for not updating lately. Carol is doing very well, continuing visits to her Moffitt and local doctors for routine lab work and blood or platelet transfusions when needed. Over the past two weeks she had one blood and two platelet transfusions.

On her last visit to Moffitt, Dr. Tomblyn was optimistic and explained that one of the markers on Carol’s lab results called LDH that is aligned with leukemia cell production has been trending downward since she removed anti-rejection and a few other meds from her regimen, giving donor cells a better chance to take over. Needless to say, all optimistic reports are very welcome and make the light at the end of the tunnel much brighter.

Next bone morrow biopsy is scheduled for December 28th, and based on the results we learn on our following visit January 3rd Dr. Tomblyn will determine next steps.

It’s possible as discussed earlier that her doctor may recommend giving her original donor’s cells a “lymphocytes boost”, which requires harvesting them from her young European donor and transfusing them to Carol. But it’s too early to tell -- Dr. Tomblyn will not make a decision prior to seeing the bone morrow biopsy results.

Meanwhile Carol is continuing with her regular routine, walking, yoga, organic foods, etc. She is also tremendously enjoying the visits of so many family and friends that have been here one after the other since who knows when.

Judy and Teddy spent a few days visiting last week. Tons of reminiscing about years back.
Now Sister Susan is here. Walks on the beach and in the neighborhood, yoga at home or at Moffitt, cooking home or eating out, games of Upwords. The two are going and going and going………….(Susan: I had reported to Dr. Tomblyn that Carol’s energy at times seems to totally defy her counts which are expectedly low. One would think “only her blood knows for sure” but Carol’s mind over matter takes charge!).

Last Friday we were invited to Donna and Joe’s. Friends Brooke, Ron and Alex were there, along with a few other friends. We all had a great time, not to mention the delicious food -- it was a joy to be out socializing with Carol feeling good.

This Friday, Susan will head back to NJ as Alexia, Trevor and Isabella, will be arriving for a week-long visit. Everyone is looking forward to belated Hanukkah and birthday (Alexia) celebrations and of course celebrating just being together.

Posted by Jaime & Susan