This is the big email that everyone has been waiting for. We met with the transplant dr. on Tuesday. Forgive the tardy update but I've been depressed (annoyed, angry, stressed...whatever you want to call it.) Dr. Bearman (transplant dr.) said that there are 4 or 5 mismatch donors - 9 of the 10 markers match. That increases the risk associated with everything involved. Dr. Bearman wants a PET scan and a bone marrow biopsy to see how sensitive the cancer cells were to the chemo.
The PET is scheduled for tomorrow but Mike doesn't feel good so I'm going to move it. The biopsy is scheduled for next Thursday.
Mike has decided to do the transplant if he's eligible (which is determined by the PET and biopsy). If the chemo didn't work well then they won't do the transplant - if it worked well and he's as close to remission as possible then they will do the transplant. They would admit him to St. Lukes in Denver in 3 to 5 weeks after the results come back (late June or early July.) He would spend a month in the hospital in near isolation. They kill his own immune system and inject the donated marrow into his system. Then he would be released to a furnished apartment a block from the hospital for 2 1/2 months. Dr. Bearman said that there is a 10 % chance of dying in the first 3 months, then another 10 % in the next 3 - 6 months and another 10 % in the 6 months to a year phase.
The stay in Denver is where I am going to ask for volunteers. I have not figured out how to clone myself (shock there) and I cannot take 3 months off work (not even two months) and someone has to take care of the dog and the kids and the bills. You can stay as long or as short as you need/want to make it. The only thing I ask is if this situation has stressed you out then please do not volunteer. Mike feeds on the positive energy around him and if you cannot put a smile on your face and pretend everything is going to be ok then don't come. Every time I walk into his hospital room I have dried the tears (not that I've done much crying.)
Mike looks sick. In VA we could pretend (or hide) the fact that he is sick but he looks sick now. Some of you have seen him and it's hard to be positive when you see the evidence. There is no pressure for anyone to come visit. God thinks I'm superwoman so if I have to say I have this under control then it would be ok. We should have a timeline/dates by the middle of June so I will let you all know. Please do not feel you have to do this and don't make plans without consulting me.
We met with a psychologist who says we have to participate in a class once this has been finalized. She said this is the hardest thing we will ever do in our lives. We also met with a social worker who put us in touch with some grants to help financially.
Mason is scheduled out on Sat. so we will see what happens. Brianna made the honor roll for 7th grade for the entire year. She will continue to do youth group stuff until life gets in the way!
I want to thank everyone for the thoughts and prayers. They are appreciated and welcomed and even if I don't call you back or respond to an email I am thinking of you all. Feel free to call/txt/email/visit. The month of June should be a fairly quiet one as we prepare.
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