Day 5- Big Day

Today we got back the bone marrow results. It is kind of confusing, so try and stay with me as I use my "Samensese" to explain it.

Multiple tests were ran using the sample bone marrow that was taken from my Dad's back when he was admitted. The pathology of the disease was confirmed: Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).

The cytogenetic test results were the main results we had been waiting in anticipation for. It turns out my Dad has Normal Cytogenetics. This means that my Dad does not carry any genetic markers that would indicate a poor prognosis to the doctors, BUT, he doesn't have any markers that would offer a stellar prognosis. The doctors classify my Dad as being at an "intermediate risk with his cytogenetic results". If his genetics indicated he had "good" markers, chemotherapy would be a sufficient treatment option. If they found certain markers that indicated a "poor" prognosis, he would be getting a bone marrow transplant ASAP, as chemo would not be effective. As he considered to be in the intermittent group, chemo is the first method of treatment. If chemo is found to be ineffective, or if the doctors feel he could positively benefit from a transplant, that would be the next course of treatment.

Now for the bone marrow discussion. The transplant specialist would be looking at a person's HLA type (don't ask me what that stands for, just go with it). This can now be done with a simple blood test. To be a match to my Dad, the donor would have to meet a minimum of 8 out of the 10 criteria. A 10/10 match would be ideal, but not necessary. The transplant team will be contacting his 3 brothers within the next few weeks to test them, as they have a 1/4 chance to match my Dad because they share the same parents. I would be a 5/10 match because I am only half my Dad... allegedly. I still think I am adopted. Yes, I look exactly like both my Mom and Dad, BUT... where I got this attitude from, that is a question no body can seem to answer. Back to bone marrow. Once his brothers are tested, it will take 4-6 weeks for the results to come back. If a match is not found within his siblings, the doctor will do a search of the world bone marrow bank to see if his HLA type matches with an anonymous donor. The results will come within a few hours of the search.

The first question that comes to mind is, "can I be tested to see if I match Jer?" The answer to that is unfortunately, no. You can donate bone marrow, which will go into the world bank allowing any patient needing marrow to use it if they are a match; but they are unable to test you for a specific patient. To be honest, I don't really get it, but we have to accept it. Another option is to donate blood. Patients undergoing chemo, especially leukemia patients, will receive multiple blood and platelet transfusions over the course of their treatment. While I can't guarantee that your specific blood will go into my Dad (I know some of his friends would think its cool to be "blood brothers" with him), I can guarantee that you would be helping to extend or possibly save someone's life.

After receiving the FFP the other day, I am pleased to report that my Dad's platelet levels are within normal limits.

He had another chest x-ray to check the progress of the pneumonia. Pneumonia is clearing up!

Lastly....Jer's quote of the day "Don't trust a fart"