Last week, before Noahs bone marrow test, the doctor said it should be his last one. But when the results came in today, that changed. Everything changed. The good news is, there are no visible (through microscope) blasts in his spinal fluid, blood, or in the marrow. So the doctor was pretty sure hed be telling us that Noahs leukemia was in remission. But then the results of a test called MRD came back positive for leukemia. In other words, its still there, only sneakily I guess. And the number was high. In fact, it was so high, that the doctor spent the day consulting with the pathologist, and other experts, trying to determine if there could have been an error, producing a false high. But so far, nothing has indicated that. The pathologist had already double checked the results, when he/she saw it. Our doctor said that even if the number was somehow falsely elevated, the test was still positive. On Thursday, Noahs case will be discussed at the weekly meeting of the oncologists at CHOP, which includes experts in pediatric leukemia, and specifically A.L.L. (Noahs type) The plan is to move immediately into a 2 month plan that will include different chemo medications. (Were supposed to read the possible side effects, but I dont want to.) That will begin on Wednesday, and he will also have another spinal tap that day. There will be shots we will need to do at home some days. Noah has a terrible fear of needles, and we have not told him about this. Hes a pro at having his port accessed, but he hasnt moved onto shots yet. Remember the flu shot they had to do while he was under anesthesia? The doctor said there is good reason to hope that the more aggressive plan over next 2 months will work. He couldnt give me percentages of success. He could only say he sees it work, a lot. I asked if this information lessened his odds of survival. He said it did some. He told us if this 2 month plan doesnt work, Noahs odds drop much more dramatically. And well be talking bone marrow transplant. He said there was a 25% chance that Elizabeth would be a match. So Elizabeth, you may have to save your brother, again.. We are certainly disappointed by this news. And Ive gotta tell ya, I am not one of those strong type people. Im not sure that I wont end up curled up in a ball, in the corner. But Im reassured, knowing that God is not surprised by any of this, and is in control of every detail. Tomorrow, Noah is planning to go back to school for the first time, for a few hours. Im hoping that seeing his friends will be uplifting. But there are concerns involved too. Please always, always remember to pray for Noah. That is what we need the most.
Posted on: Tue, 03 Dec 2013 06:57:17 +0000
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