We're so far from 'plan A' or 'plan B' that I'm just calling this Plan S for "Plan Sam." A.K.A. the plan that finally works!
Before I get into the details, I'll start with the most important thing: Sam is feeling much better. We're still living in the hospital, but he's much more alert, eating more and we're spending our days binge watching "The People vs. OJ Simpson," instead of being really miserable and panicked. It's not ideal, but it's far better than last week, so we'll take it. Over a week ago, when Sam's doctors presented his case at the meeting with a number of other leukemia and transplant experts, the team they consulted with didn't have any new ideas. So, Dr. "No One Is Giving Up Here" and the attending at the hospital, Dr. Becker, forged ahead with one of the antibody studies they'd already investigated. While there were originally a few antibody study options on the table, they were forced to proceed with the one that would move forward the quickest since Sam's blast count was rising at a rate faster than OJ's white bronco. So that started last Wednesday. Plan S includes 6 days of chemotherapy and one day of an antibody treatment, which will be given on Tuesday, Feb. 21. This method is essentially a middle ground between only giving chemo, which wasn't an option due to toxicity, and only antibodies, which weren't an option due to the Graph vs. Host Disease (GVH). Today Sam's on day five of the chemo. So far, everything is going as planned. Like I said before, he is actually feeling better with the chemo drugs because they also knock back the symptoms of the GVH... which really says something about how miserable GVH is. After Tuesday, he'll have a break to recover where his blood counts are dangerously low again. They'll monitor him closely and we'll all do everything we can to get him into the damn transplant procedure as soon as humanly freaking possible. Anyway, I wanted to give you the update that we have 'Plan S' underway and so far, it is going well. No spoilers for how our T.V. show ends, ok? We can't wait to find out what the jury decides on OJ! (kidding)
Hillary Feder
2/19/2017 10:30:27 am
OK Jen & Sam - Plan "S" it is - Cheering for Plan "S" loud and clear!!!! Keep putting one foot in front of the other. You guys are doing an amazing job under very difficult circumstances. Tons of XOXOXOXXO - every day!!!
Rich Johnson
2/19/2017 11:52:00 am
All my best to you and Sam. Pushing good karma your way.
Janelle Bamlett
2/19/2017 02:28:00 pm
Let's go Plan S!! Kick butt!!
Bev Mangerson
2/19/2017 03:22:07 pm
Whoo hoo! Yeah for Plan S!!
Maggie Lorenz
2/19/2017 04:18:20 pm
Deb Martiny
2/19/2017 06:17:33 pm
Hi Sam and Jenny! I went to grade school and high school with your Mom back in the day and went to high school with your Dad, Dana That wass ions ago Go Thunderbirds! Anyway, I have been following your journey the last week or so. I felt the need to reach out to you both. To let you know, you are not alone. There are tons of people and friends and family that are all fighting the fight with you. Lean on them, use them for strength and power but most of all make God take this disease and make it his trouble. I have a card that I hand out to my patients, and it reads Nothing is more stronger, than the power of God behind you. You see, I work at an Oncology and chemo Center with 10 docs. So I share with them as I do with you, hug them, cry and laugh and live each day to the fullest , even if it is just a moment of happiness...Baby steps is where it sounds you are at...today in church, our pastor had a sermon on To love all brothers and sisters and to share that love... so today I am sharing my love with you and let me take your burden for a moment, so that you can share a moment u of peace with God... God's blessings on you Both! Deb Doro Birrenkott Martiny
Randy and Susan Booton
2/22/2017 08:32:58 pm
Jenny, thank you for letting us know about Plan S! We are praying that the chemo treatments and antibody treatment, along with the recovery break are just what Sam needs to get back into transplant mode. We are so impressed with your strength during the worst of times and commitment and love for each other. And, just need to say Praise the Lord for Dr. "No One is Giving Up Here"!! Keep up the fight Sam!! Comments are closed.
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