Joseph Bowers Bowwow’s Journey

Nov. 19, 2018
In April 2017, Joe was diagnosed with CML (Chronic Myeloid Leukemia).  At some point in September, his blood work revealed that the chemo pill he was taking stopped working.  He was  switched to a new chemo pill at the beginning of November, but even with the  new med, he was still experiencing tremendous leg, shoulder and hip pain.  Basically, the pain is a result of the battle going on in his bone marrow.  His body is producing immature white blood cells called "blasts" that are attacking the healthy cells.  On Friday, Nov. 9, he was admitted to Mercy General in Sacramento on Doctor's orders only to be promptly transferred to UCSF the following evening.  He spent 2 nights on the 11th floor/oncology.  Due to low oxygen levels, he was moved to the ICU in a flurry.  Managing his breathing and pain were the top priorities.  During his time in the ICU Joe underwent a bone marrow biopsy and a blood transfusion.  After 2 painful nights, his breathing and oxygen levels were much improved and his pain was under control so he was moved to a room back on the 11th floor.  Although overall his blood is much better than when he arrived, his platelet count is still low.  He has received several platelet transfusions which seem to be working.  Over the past 11 days, he has taken what feels like hundreds of pills and used too many ice and heat packs to count.  As we head into this week, we are hoping for more direction regarding treatment.  Will the new chemo med do the job and Joe will get to go home?  Or is stronger chemo needed?  Either way, Joe will be undergoing a bone marrow transplant spring of 2019.  
Thank you to all of you who have given your prayers, support, time, gifts, and love.  We are truly overwhelmed by the tremendous outpouring!