Apr 23: Ride the Roller Coaster of A.L.L.

After a substantial discussion with my oncologist Tue afternoon, I've decided to put CAR-T on hold. We're going to monitor and see if and how fast the blasts increase. It is possible my body will mount a defense. There are a couple of other less intense options other than CAR-T, also that might be tried. 

Just not ready for a 2 week hospital stay and 60 days of 24/7 "house arrest," having to stay within 50 miles of the hospital and have a 24/7 caregiver. 

Whatever the medical level of involvement, from the start my hope has been in God and his good intention, whether through medical means or in spite of it. Waiting and seeing what happens now makes that a little more real for me. 

Many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD delivers him out of them all.

Psalm 34:19 

I am righteous only through Jesus. He will deliver me, whether here on earth, or ultimately, eternally. 

Apr 18: Don't be your own Doc

 

Well....

Never be your own doctor or lawyer. I just heard from my oncologist. I misread the results and didn't actually have the more sensitive genetic test results. I still have some leukemia lurking around, 53 cells vs the 845K I had when I was first diagnosed Aug 2023. 

Bottom line, still in a battle, still in a fight. 

CAR-T is my next likely option where they use my own healthy cells to grow them and then target the bad ones. 

The Lord is my refuge and strength; a very present help in time of trouble.

Apr 17: Day 614 NED is my new best friend.

 Thank you, God. Your mercies are new every day. 

NED (No Evidence of Disease) is my new best friend. My Flow Cytometry results were good from my bone marrow biopsy.

I am grateful to God in heaven for these results. 

I'll be on a monthly monitor check of blood for a year, then we'll see what happens. 

God cares for the birds in the sky and the flowers on the ground, therefore, do not worry about tomorrow; trust in Him today for he will provide.

I hope your day and weekend are blessed,

G

Apr 11: The Big Needle

 aka Bone Marrow Biopsy

This one seemed to be more difficult and have more after-procedure pain. They use the top of the hip bone to collect the bone marrow and a piece of bone. I didn't pass out this time, but I did hear rushing water for a few moments after the second or third attempt to collect a sample. 

Results in 7-10 days. Accuracy down to 1/1M detection. 

Hopefully, all is clear, aka NED (No Detectible Disease) Then it'll be a monthly blood test to keep tabs on things for the next year. 

I am grateful and blessed.

Blessings to you and yours today,

Gary