Hello family and friends. 

Thank you again for your prayers and support of our Mom. As you know from the previous update, Mom had a bone marrow transplant on August 4th. As she was recovering, the doctors discovered the transplant was only 50% successful. Due to the aggressiveness of the cancer, Mom had to agree to having the transplant while not in remission. The fact that she recovered this well has the doctors feeling optimistic and researching a new treatment plan.

In late September, her team of doctors found a new clinical trial which was just approved. They told Mom that she would be a perfect candidate because this specific trial evolves around relapsed patients. She started the process right away. This new clinical trial plan began with chemo treatments for 1 week, every day and then off for a few weeks. She will continue with chemo treatments until the clinical trial transplant. This will include a new donation of cells from her brother Jack. These cells will then be sent to a special lab in California where they will manufacture the cells to give them more proteins and amp them up to be stronger to fight Mom's super aggressive bad blood cells.

If you have not heard, Jack donated his cells yesterday at The James. He had to go through a process of doctor's appointments up to this point to make sure his body was ready for the donation. This included a full physical, blood tests and of course a COVID test. I spoke to Jack a few times over the past few days and he is doing fine. He was very weak and tired after his donation yesterday but was feeling better at the end of the night. Mom was able to see Jack yesterday because she was there to receive platelets, blood and other fluids her body is losing fast. Her and I have a little laugh together and say, "Gotta go get THE stuff" to feel human again. I know, it's a bad thing to laugh about, but we need something to keep smiling and moving forward. 

After The James receives the manufactured cells, Mom will have her new transplant. Yesterday we were informed that it is now scheduled for December 7th. She will be admitted to the hospital on December 2nd and will receive chemo up until her transplant date.

This is a miracle we are all praying for. Mom has remained in great spirits, with a positive outlook and continues to work remotely for her office. That is something she can not give up because she loves it and it keeps her going. She can't wait to return to a normal life and get back to working in the office. As positive as she has been, she is getting exhausted from going back to The James every 2-3 days for more platelets, blood and magnesium. This is what she loses just as fast as she receives it, because her bad blood cells are attacking quickly.

In spite of everything, we find ourselves praying constantly and staying positive. Even my kids are going around their school asking teachers and students to pray for their Grandma.

Please keep our Mom in your prayers and we will update again soon.
Thank you all so very much for your love and support.

Love you all!
Rene