100-mile checkup

We finally got the results of Greg's biopsy & skeletal survey taken 100 days post-transplant (Friday, September 26).

First, the skeletal survey (full-body x-ray to see if there are any new tumors) showed "no significant change" from the last one. That's good.

The biopsy showed 18 percent cancer cells in the bone marrow. This is enough to classify him as "partial remission." Just to put it in perspective: prior to his first transplant, he had 90 percent cancer cells -- the post-transplant biopsy showed 17 percent cancer. Prior to this most recent transplant, he had about 45 percent cancer cells. I guess this number is pretty good, but we were hoping for a little better. However, we must remember that bone marrow biopsies are a bit "hit or miss." In other words, you can take three samples on the same day in the same hip, and get 3 different numbers.

The not-so-great news is that his lab numbers on 9/26 weren't that great. All his counts (red, white, platelete) were down from the same time last transplant. His ANC (the infection-fighting white cells) was only 500. (Remember, he needed 1500 to get out of the hospital.) Doctor wasn't immediately alarmed by this, but said its probably an indication that his bone marrow is beginning to "wear out." Future treatment options could be compromised by this, but its all kind of academic at this point. They're going to put him on a couple of meds (injections) that are supposed to help his bone marrow "perk up" (for lack of a medical term). Let's hope they work. The FDA says they can no longer give him growth factor (for low ANC) unless he's actively receiving treatment (which he's not at this time). So, infection precautions are again the order of the day.

For now, we will continue to try to be optimistic. Greg feels good, and that's very important. I will post future updates as they develop. In the meantime, thanks always for your love & support. They really do mean the world to us!

Love,

Us