Big developments!

We got some very long awaited, amazing news today that has lifted everyone's spirits, especially my mom's and dad's! They have been living inside the hospital now for a month straight....this was the perfect pick me up they needed to persevere and get through this first stage of his treatment.

My dad's doctors ordered his bone marrow biopsy two days ago, earlier than originally planned, due to his numbers remaining low - particularly his white blood count not really moving that much.  Dad has been terribly sick and feeling several different side effects especially over the last week.  We learned this evening that dad's biopsy came back clean.  The leukemia is in remission!!
Whooo Hooooo!
If this bone marrow biopsy had not been clean, he would have had to do another 30-40 day round of chemotherapy - and would not have been able to move forward toward the bone marrow transplant.

My Aunt Char has spent a couple days this week at City of Hope doing different tests and some blood work, part of the process in being the bone marrow donor.  All of her testing came back clear - another huge blessing!

Today my dad will receive a shot that will boost his white blood cell count, which in turn will allow him to build back his immunity quicker and speed up this part of the recovery process.  Once dad shows his numbers are consistently up and in normal range, dad will be discharged to a cottage on the hospital campus and will have to go back and forth from there to the hospital to check his progress, receive blood products, etc.  A change of scenery is MUCH needed!

After that part of the process, he will be able to come home for 1-2 weeks.  Then, it is time for his bone marrow transplant.

They are taking one step at a time, one day at a time.  We are elated that he is in remission right now!! It is a big deal guys! Thank you for your constant interest, thoughts and prayers for my family.  This is a terribly trying time and it feels so good to know that dad has some big supporters in his corner.

And speaking of supporters in his corner, we hope to see you at the blood drive/bone marrow registry event we are hosting for my dad next week - August 20th from  4 - 7 pm. If you haven't seen it on facebook yet (I would be surprised if you haven't - we've been working hard to spread the word!) We will post next week as a reminder.

Love to you all!!