October 22, 2010

Thanks again for you interest and care for Bonnie and her prognosis. Yesterday we received the initial results for the bone marrow biopsy showing it to be clear of the leukemia. Obviously this is good and an answer to prayer, however there are still results pending that involve more thorough tests that should be returned later next week.

Based on this information, the direction our team of doctors is recommending for treatment of the mass is radiation or surgery, either being equally effective, but the preference for radiation. With that said, Bonnie is scheduled Monday for a consultation with the radiation department at Sparrow hospital and hopefully followed by the set up simulation on Tuesday. This department is very busy so it is difficult to schedule something quickly; however we are very fortunate to have a good friend who works in this area which has helped in moving Bonnie up the list. Moving quickly is important as the mass continues to grow and there is an underlying concern that the immature white blood cells (leukemia) in the mass could possibly find their way into Bonnie’s blood stream which would be a major setback. So please pray that the radiation can commence as soon as mid to late next week.

We are back to taking it one day at a time, but once the mass has been dealt with, the Bone Marrow Transplant Clinic at Karmanos needs to address a different issue: why was there a recurrence of the leukemia when everything was pretty much “textbook” with Bonnie’s transplant. Meaning, the transplant went as it was suppose to and she has had a level of Graft vs Host Disease (GVHD) since the transplant that should have kept any remaining leukemia cells from recurring. The doctors have speculated or conjectured that Bonnie may need another bone marrow transplant from a different donor. At this point, let’s just say that it is within the realm of possibility, but difficult to contemplate going through that again.

So, the easiest thing to do is to put all the fears and anxious thoughts in God’s hands and trust that He continues to have a plan that is beyond our ability to understand. Do we still have our moments? Yes, but your prayers continue to lift us up to God who engulfs us in His peace.

“In peace I will both lie down and sleep, for You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.” Psalm 4:8

All glory, honor and praise belong to God and Him alone. As additional information becomes available we will share it with you.

Steve and Bonnie