Before more doctor stuff, how 'bout some good stuff? This past weekend some friends from Alaska were in town to visit Sam while I visited my family and new nephew in Minneapolis; it was an awesome escape and great weekend. I was sad to miss seeing AK friends, but was happily enjoying the company of my family. From separate states, we brunched, we laughed, we played with the dogs, enjoyed the sunshine, and connected with loved ones. It was great - we both reflected on how 'normal' it felt. (Ryan, Shaina, Steph, Austin, Hanna, Almonds/Barrs/Klotzbachs, Abby and Owen - thanks for the laughs!)
But then today it was back to the clinic and getting smacked in the face by reality once again. (Mondays, huh?) Sam's labs have consistently demonstrated unhealthy blood cells since the last round of treatment and its frankly scary to watch his immunity fall. This morning though, we were notified that a space in a new clinical trial opened up and Sam is a good candidate. The trial is studying bone marrow transplants* for people with active cancer. Usually, you have to be in remission to get a transplant because, traditionally, success rates are low if not in remission. He'll be the 16th person to participate in the trial. So, medically speaking, we're entering fairly uncharted territory. The trial will go something like this:
That's the update. It was a roller coaster of a day but at least there are still options for Sam and we have smart doctors and amazing, wonderful, lovely and incredible family and friends. XO, Jenny *If I haven't made it clear, it should be noted that this whole time, transplant has been the goal. All the previous chemo has been in order to get him into remission so that he could move to transplant. When you get a bone marrow transplant, they essentially knock out your immune system and give you a new one from the donor. Sam's Dad will be his donor (but THANK YOU to everyone who has offered or joined the registry!!!) Getting a transplant, though risky (especially in Sam's situation), is the best chance of a cure and of avoiding relapse. Transplant, transplant, transplant. Transplant.
Dad
9/25/2015 07:31:53 am
Thank you for the update Jenny - Love you guys. Comments are closed.
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