We just finished round 2 of the clinical trial, and Amanda and I met with the Dr. on Wednesday to review the results of the bone marrow biopsy that I had on Monday and to determine if we continue with the trial or not. I get my blood checked 3 times per week and I can see the Leukemia cells in my blood in the results, so we were not expecting to be in remission at this meeting. However, the bone marrow biopsy did show a reduction in blasts (leukemia cells) from my last biopsy after round 1. We moved from 40% blasts to 30% blasts (5% or less is considered remission). The Dr was encouraged by the progress and said he is cautiously optimistic about continuing to chip away at this, so we’ll start round 3, which is a new 28 day cycle, on Monday. The meeting with the Dr. on Wednesday had a very optimistic vibe (maybe he was just in a good mood), but I came out of the appointment feeling better than I have about the next steps than at any point over the last several months. Please continue to pray that we can keep “chipping away” at this thing and that I stay infection free.
As far as how I’m feeling….. I’m tired a lot. I’m anemic due to the treatment and the Leukemia, so living life with low red blood counts wears on you after a while. I generally feel pretty good in the mornings, but after lunch I sometimes crash and need a nap. I’m also severely neutropenic (low white cells), so I have to take a lot of pills and be careful to stay germ free (wear a mask when out, don’t go out in crowds, etc.). So, I spend most of my time down at MDA or convalescing at home these days. On occasion we’ll get out, but for the most part, I live in a sort of groundhog day existence right now. Now, I am not complaining, as I am very happy to be here to spend time with Amanda and the kids everyday, but we are looking forward to more active days ahead, God willing.
Speaking of getting out, we were able to go out to eat last night to celebrate Aidan’s 13th birthday (pics included). It’s hard to believe that our oldest is now a teenager…..I don’t know where the time goes. He is growing into a young man with a noble heart and a very hard worker.
Addison is recovering well from her two broken wrists. She got her casts removed about 3 weeks ago and has be in removable braces that she pretty much just wears to school these days. She’s one tough little girl and hopefully will be back to full activity and her gymnastics in a month or so.
Amanda is still the glue that is holding all of this together. She’s tireless, and I’m very thankful for her servant’s heart and how she loves us selflessly everyday. We are ready to celebrate her on Sunday for Mother’s Day!
I’ll plan to update if we have any news or in about a month when we finish cycle 3.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers out there.
Stay Rooted,
Adam
