No Cancer Found in the Bone Marrow!

Today was a day that was looming in front of us for a while. Back in December when Steve was released from the hospital we knew it would be at least 3 months before another bone marrow biopsy (BMB) would be done. Even though he had regular lab work done, the BMB is the only test where they can actually see the cancer. They look for how much cancer is in the bones and conduct cytogenetic testing to see if the disease has caused any chromosomes to change (which can be very bad). Steve and I were both hoping for at best a low cancer percentage, somewhere between 1 to 9 percent. (Since he still had an m-spike of 1.0). But when the doctor came in to the room and said the BMB looked really good and there was no cancer we were shocked. I'm still taking it all in. Now I will try my best to explain why the biopsy results surprised us. Myeloma is a cancer of the plasma cells. Typically a plasma cell goes bad and begins to clone it self, over and over and over, crowding out all the good plasma cells, red blood cells, etc. This is called monoclonal gammopathy. Steve's biopsy showed 5% polyclonal plasma cells. What does this mean? Well, they cannot see the cancer in his bone marrow even though he has a high protein level or m-spike. The doctor is not sure where the m-spike is coming from since there is no cancer that would appear to be causing it. His cancer level can be so minute that only a very special test can detect it. I would say it's like looking for a needle in a haystack. (As long as you don't land on it it can't hurt you!) His results are so unusual the doctor has only seen this happen one other time. According to her we don't need to worry about his cancer coming back for a long time and this is great news! He will still be put on maintenance therapy. But for the mean time I feel like I can finally exhale.............:-) Please keep praying for little Hayden. He is almost five and has been battling cancer since he was 1 1/2. He has relapsed for a second time and it doesn't look very promising.

Doing Pretty Good

I have been sick for the past four weeks. Caught that terrible virus that has been going around. Starts as a head cold then turns into bronchitis. Steve decided I should share and so he too is battling the beast. He has been doing pretty good otherwise. He started taking Lyrica and it seems to be helping with his neuropathy. It's too early to tell but I am sure glad to know he is experiencing a lot less pain.

His biopsy was postponed until March 17th. I was too sick to take him on the 3rd. We get the results this Thursday. I really wanted to know the results of his lab work and called last Tuesday. His m-spike is still at 1.0! Praise the Lord!! Holding steady. With this number I would think that his biopsy results will come back in his favor. I'll let you now.

Please pray for Hayden, he relapsed a second time. And continue to pray for Haven, Natalie, Kryslynn, Tim and my sister Rosie. We love you all and appreciate the time you spend with the Lord on our behalf.

97 Days Post Transplant

Hi everyone. Sorry to take so long in updating you. Steve continues in his recovery. He is more active and so much stronger then he was. He's gained all of his weight back and feels pretty good most of the time. He still struggles with neuropathy and body pain unrelated to it. We saw his local oncologist last week and she was pleased to see how well he looked and felt. She is referring him to a neurologist for nerve testing and pain management and has scheduled his post-transplant bone marrow biopsy for this Thursday.

His m-spike has been steady at 1.0 for the past 2 months. In the world of myeloma a low, steady number is a okay. Once we get the results of the biopsy we'll know what his true cancer burden is. We are praying for a low, low number. The plan is to start him on a maintenance drug that will hopefully keep his myeloma under control, preventing any further damage to his body. The drug the oncologist from UCLA has recommended is Revlimid. His local oncologist is not in full agreement with him but is willing to give it a try. She is reluctant because of the severe rash he developed the first time he was on it. This time maybe his body will be able to tolerate it at a lower dose. The alternative would be a steroid called dexamethasone. Both carry risks and will have to be monitored closely.

Now, how are we doing? To be honest we are in a very strange place. Steve is not looking forward to the biopsy and he is not sure why. I on the other hand am eager to know the results. I think for me knowing this information helps my mind to adjust to the direction we need to go. If that makes sense. But since the transplant I have been unable to "bounce back" like I usually do. Please pray for rejuvenation for both of us, that we not grow weary but remain steadfast, with our eyes continuously on the Lord.

Please pray for little Hayden, his mom and dad, little Haven, Natalie, Tim, Ray and Kryslynn.