Greetings to you all!

Early February, Jerry's oncologist wanted Jerry to have a bone marrow biopsy to see if they could determine why Jerry's blood counts were needing support. Unfortunately, it showed that Jerry's bone marrow is not producing healthy blood cells. It is a condition called MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome). It is a precursor to leukemia. The bone marrow biopsy also showed some genetic mutations (TP53) that makes him a high risk to develop leukemia.

After several consultations with many specialists, it has been decided that the best course of treatment is another stem cell transplant. They are currently looking for donors in the world database. Being of Norwegian and German descent the odds are very promising that a donor will be found. Those countries have a huge donor list!

There are risks involved with this treatment, but at this point the team feels the benefit outweighs the risks. The transplant coordinator wants to see if Jerry is eligible for a clinical trial to deal with the TP53 mutation so the transplant has the best chance possible for a transplant with a deep response.

The transplant will require about 3 weeks in Boston as well as at least 100 days in recovery at home.  

This was not the news we had wanted to hear but we are blessed to have an amazing myeloma, leukemia, and transplant team. We appreciate all your prayers and ask that you pray that Jerry's body can handle this procedure, the MDS is stopped, and they find a donor sooner than later. We know that we are in God's plan and that He gives us the strength we need for whatever His plan is.

On a positive note, his myeloma numbers continue to drop to all time lows. He can also get his current treatment back up here in Dover! It saves a trip to Boston every other week. We will take all the wins we can get!

Enjoy the pictures of the healing garden and chapel at Dana Farber I took the last month. The third one is from our adventure to the Ice Castles in NH this year.

Thank you again for all your support....we know for a fact that your prayers are working.

Jill and Jerry