October 27, 2010

I know everyone is anxious to learn about the test results, so here they are:

• MUGA (heart study) result: Good / Normal
• Pulmonary preliminary results:  Passed
• Bone Marrow result: No evidence of Lymphoma
• Kidney result: Too Low (postponing cycle 3 until Monday)
• PET Scan preliminary result: Partial Response 50-60% effective (read below) Also, we are waiting to hear if the scan showed any changes in the shadow found prior to treatment in his lung.  If the shadow has gotten smaller, that may indicate that there is cancer in his lung as well. From the onset of treatment it has been unclear what the scan is showing in his lung.

• The preliminary results show that approximately 40-50% of the cancer remains.  They will proceed with cycle 3 of the O-ICE treatment on Monday because his kidney functions are not where they need to be to continue as planed.  If Monday's lab results are better, he will be admitted and start cycle 3 of O-ICE. (Calendar is updated)
• If he is not cancer-free by the end of cycle 3, the doctor will then make the decision to either do radiation, a new chemotherapy treatment or both.  It is possible that he may still qualify for the BMT; however, that depends on the clinical trial guidelines.
• His kidney function is a large concern for everyone.  His kidneys must be in better condition to be able to do the BMT as BMT's are very tolling on the kidneys.  If a BMT is done and his kidneys are not healthy enough to sustain the procedure he could end-up on dialysis for the rest of his life. This is obviously not an option; therefore, if his kidneys are damaged he would not be able to proceed with a BMT.
• When a patient relapses, the best course of action involves both chemotherapy and BMT, without the BMT it is very likely that he will relapse again in less time than it took the first.  In Pop Pop's case, if he is unable to receive a BMT, it is probable that the cancer will return in less than 1.5 - 2 years ( it could be as little as a month).  Each patient and case is different.

Today has obviously been a difficult day; however, Pop Pop is pushing forward and praying for the best.  

Carlos & Pop Pop

Blood Transfusion