Hi,
We have tried everything with no luck and the doc has suggested I return home so that's the plan. There is a traditional treatment I will try and if it's effective and not horrific, I'll stay on it. It may work until it doesn't. There is no big fix. So James and I are returning to cville in the next week or so and will be relieved to be home. RELIEVED.
Stay well,
Beryl
Hi,
I had some results from the bone marrow biopsy I had on Monday. My blast counts are going down but not as fast as we hoped. The blasts in my blood are low but the blasts in my bone marrow are going down, but much slower. I have had improvement but I am clearly not in the 70% who responds quickly. I'm a turtle! So we'll continue another month and see what we see. It may be that I continue, it may be that I pivot. I'm disappointed but there's still a path forward. As James says, I'm feeling my feelings.
Take care,
Beryl
Hi,
I am day 21 in my trial and things look greatish. I am still needing transfusions but this is expected. In the next few weeks, as my marrow begins to work, I'll need fewer and fewer transfusions. I have a bone marrow biopsy next monday and we'll know what's up by weds. Some of what's up, anyway. They test the blasts (that are a symptom of AML- they are abnormal cells that should be disposed of but in my case, aren't) by blood and by biopsy of the marrow. The marrow is the definitive test. In the meantime, the blood is showing that my blast count is 1%, which is normal. It can go up to 3% and be considered normal. When I came to MD Anderson in Nov it was 88ish. The first trial brought it way down, and the second trial finished the job, I hope. So I'll post something when I know something.
We are settled into the apt. We are replacing the bad art with our oilcloth shapes, there are fake flowers, new pillow covers, new tablecloths and anything else we can think of. School is in it's 2nd week so I am busy with that. I had lost some weight but it has returned.
I am missing home and my sons and daughter-in-laws and grandkids so much. James and I watch fam videos and facetime with them. I will say, I am NOT missing the winter! Houston is very comfortable. The summer is a different and hellish story. I've been walking home from the clinic most days (MWF) and the walk is nice. Most of it is through a park that has a great path and is lined with giant old live oaks.
The big news,of course, is that Trump is gone!!!
I feel better already!!
stay safe,
Beryl
Hi,
Just a quick post. The new trial meds are going fine. I am in the hospital until Sunday (if all goes well) and then all out patient. They have taken me off of two old medications as the trial drugs start working. I am going for a walk and then I'll work on my class prep for Spring. Look at this old pic of Thomas.
Mainly I want to wish you a Happy New Year!
Progress!
Beryl
