There was an unexpected knock at the door. Christi and I were sitting in my room spending our last few minutes together before she had to leave. Nurses and other staff had been in and out of my room all day, so we were not happy about another interruption.
I glanced up and could tell through the window that it was Jill, the nurse practitioner who has been managing by day-to-day care. She makes her rounds in the morning, so for her to stop by in the afternoon is unusual. I thought to myself that she must be here with the results of my bone marrow biopsy. I steeled myself and as she opened the door I studied her face for any sign that might betray her news. Her eyebrows were raised. The corners of her mouth were turned up in a smile. I knew it…
I don’t remember her exact words, but they went something like this. “Good News! We got the biopsy results and there is no sign of cancer in your bone marrow!”
I breathed.
A high five.
A smile at my wife.
“Thank you, God.”
I really don’t remember what was said next because my head was in the clouds. We spent a few minutes talking about something that was probably important, but at least Christi heard it. Wow, God is so faithful.
So, what does this mean? First, it does NOT mean that I am in remission yet. I have another biopsy in two weeks. If the results are the same then, I’ll be considered in remission. It does mean that I do not need more chemotherapy right now. That is such a blessing.
Unfortunately, it doesn’t mean that I can go home either. My immune system is virtually at zero right now and I am highly susceptible to infections. In fact, I’ve had a fever and painful headaches for the last three days from some type of infection. I’m getting numerous antibiotics and other medicines, and we’re managing the fever with Tylenol. I also have some type of skin infection all over my legs. The doctors have had a lot of fun taking skin biopsies and trying to figure out what it is. I even got a visit from the infectious disease people yesterday. I felt like I was in an episode of “Big Bang Theory.”
So, what about the “but?”
The biopsy news is great, but this isn’t the only predictor of my long term prognosis. The results of my genetic tests came back and suggest that I am a high risk for relapse with chemotherapy alone. Say what, Jeff? Chemotherapy alone may kill all the cancer cells in my bone marrow and put me in remission, meaning I’m cancer free. However, I still have the same bone marrow and it could mess up again. If it does, the cancer comes back.
With a bone marrow (or stem cell) transplant, I’ll have more high-octane chemotherapy to totally kill all my bone marrow. Then, I’ll get a transplant by IV from some lucky donor to give me new bone marrow. I’ll stay in the hospital another 4-6 weeks to make sure my body doesn’t reject the marrow and to guard against infection, since I will again have a compromised immune system. If all goes well, then I’ll go home and start the very long road to recovery. Nothing is one hundred percent certain, but this way offers the best opportunity for a long term cure.
We’ve started the process with getting my brother tested as a donor. A sibling provides the best chance for a match, but even then it’s only 25%. Not to worry, there are over 800K donors on the National Registry. If you know someone who is interested in being tested, then you can get more information at the following link:
While my circumstances have changed, for good and bad, my Healer hasn’t. We praise him for the good news and trust him to carry us down the long road that just got a lot longer. He is good, no matter what, all the time.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) NIV
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I’m very pleased to hear the good news, Jeff. I’ll swing by again for another visit this coming week, if that’s alright. Send me a message about if a particular day/time is preferential.
That is great news! We Will continue to pray for you and your family.