Hi, everybody! Sorry that we didn't get info posted yesterday. I know Brenan meant to update the site but he has a bit of a cold and isn't feeling too perky ; )
Doctor's appt went well. The third test (referred to a few emails back) came back clear of any problems. That was good news for sure! Also, his white counts were up...also good news. Not sure about any other specifics but wanted to make sure that everyone knew there was no bad news! I will talk to Brenan tomorrow and see if there is any more info to post!
Jess
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
More Appointments
Brenan has an appointment today with Dr. Briggs again. We should have more information later this afternoon.
Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes!
Thanks for all the prayers and well wishes!
Monday, February 9, 2009
Monday appt
We met with Brenan’s lead physician today, Dr. Briggs, to discuss some discouraging news about conflicting test results. Though his preliminary bone marrow test is still completely clear (showing no signs of leukemia cells), a more in-depth test shows that there are still some leukemia cells in his system. Therefore, the doctor has made some changes to the treatment plan in order to fight off these cells. (More about these tests discussed below).
Since Brenan was given a “new” immune system through the stem-cell transplant, he has been taking immune suppressing drugs that prevent this “new” immune system from attacking parts of his own body (graft-versus-host disease, GVHD). However, by suppressing this immune system, it also prevents that immune system from attacking unhealthy cells (aka leukemia cells). Since the reports show these cells present, the physician has decided to reduce the immune suppressing drugs so that his immune system has a chance to attack these cells. (Kind of like letting loose the beast!...in a good way) Dr. Briggs says that this is the best method for treating this type of occurrence.
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Summary of test result info:
There are 3 basic tests included in a bone marrow biopsy. The initial (lowest) test results were negative for leukemia cells (A measurement of blasts—or immature cells—was 1% blasts. This is considered normal). The second level of test (FISH) tested positive for leukemia cells. The results of the third, and highest level of testing, should be back some time next week.
The computerized tomography scan (CT scan) of Brenan’s torso showed negative for any signs of lymphoma. (Good news)
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Your thoughts and prayers are always appreciated! Brenan is feeling really good—busy around the house and community. We are thinking about this as a road bump to get through, hopefully with few complications! Right now, we are really praying and rooting for his immune system to do its job. (We’ve nicknamed his immune system Gustov so we have someone to cheer for…Brenan’s donor is from Germany so we tried to pick a name that sounded appropriate.)
Our next appointment is next Tuesday, February 17th.
GOoooooo GUSTOV!!!
Since Brenan was given a “new” immune system through the stem-cell transplant, he has been taking immune suppressing drugs that prevent this “new” immune system from attacking parts of his own body (graft-versus-host disease, GVHD). However, by suppressing this immune system, it also prevents that immune system from attacking unhealthy cells (aka leukemia cells). Since the reports show these cells present, the physician has decided to reduce the immune suppressing drugs so that his immune system has a chance to attack these cells. (Kind of like letting loose the beast!...in a good way) Dr. Briggs says that this is the best method for treating this type of occurrence.
--------
Summary of test result info:
There are 3 basic tests included in a bone marrow biopsy. The initial (lowest) test results were negative for leukemia cells (A measurement of blasts—or immature cells—was 1% blasts. This is considered normal). The second level of test (FISH) tested positive for leukemia cells. The results of the third, and highest level of testing, should be back some time next week.
The computerized tomography scan (CT scan) of Brenan’s torso showed negative for any signs of lymphoma. (Good news)
---------
Your thoughts and prayers are always appreciated! Brenan is feeling really good—busy around the house and community. We are thinking about this as a road bump to get through, hopefully with few complications! Right now, we are really praying and rooting for his immune system to do its job. (We’ve nicknamed his immune system Gustov so we have someone to cheer for…Brenan’s donor is from Germany so we tried to pick a name that sounded appropriate.)
Our next appointment is next Tuesday, February 17th.
GOoooooo GUSTOV!!!
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