Day 17
It needn’t have taken the prodding of two motivated lawyers, but be were told this afternoon that John’s second bone marrow test results were good. The doctor didn’t have time for us for quite some time, but a thoughtful nurse explained that the “induction” chemo was successful enough that they were unable to detect cancer, or any other, form of cells, which they explained is the desired result: sort of a “ground zero” effect.
The meaning of that is significant, because it puts him in the group of AML patients that have the “best” chance of success, somewhere between 20 and 50 percent, depending on things like successful follow-up “consolidation” chemo, finding a matching marrow donor and tolerating the transplant. The selection of the transplant center also has a lot to do with the results.
John’s tentative schedule could allow him to leave the hospital and move here before Christmas. He would need to remain somewhat sheltered, but that has been a goal of his. He would be back in the hospital for about 6 days the next week for another round of chemo and then would rest again at home for several weeks with regular clinic checks. As soon as he is able to travel, we would probably take him to Seattle for consultation concerning a transplant there.
John had me go out and buy him a turkey and swiss sandwich for dinner, so he wouldn’t haves to eat the hospital’s embarrassing attempt at the most basic of foods. He is trying to eat, his face has begun to resemble his own and his feet have taken something resembling human form again.
Suddenly, I am now tired and looking forward to the chance to work on problems with four paper corners, in black and white and made of words for a while.
The meaning of that is significant, because it puts him in the group of AML patients that have the “best” chance of success, somewhere between 20 and 50 percent, depending on things like successful follow-up “consolidation” chemo, finding a matching marrow donor and tolerating the transplant. The selection of the transplant center also has a lot to do with the results.
John’s tentative schedule could allow him to leave the hospital and move here before Christmas. He would need to remain somewhat sheltered, but that has been a goal of his. He would be back in the hospital for about 6 days the next week for another round of chemo and then would rest again at home for several weeks with regular clinic checks. As soon as he is able to travel, we would probably take him to Seattle for consultation concerning a transplant there.
John had me go out and buy him a turkey and swiss sandwich for dinner, so he wouldn’t haves to eat the hospital’s embarrassing attempt at the most basic of foods. He is trying to eat, his face has begun to resemble his own and his feet have taken something resembling human form again.
Suddenly, I am now tired and looking forward to the chance to work on problems with four paper corners, in black and white and made of words for a while.
