March 22, 2008

Hi Family,

I just wanted to give everyone an update on Mom (Grandma). Yesterday afternoon I was able to go with her to her appointment with Dr. Wallantine. If you remember, she had a bone marrow biopsy on March 4th and this was the appointment to get the results from that test. Dr. Wallantine walked in the room with a big smile on his face and said, "Well, let's just get this over with," and then proceeded to tell Mom that the biopsy showed no signs of cancer cells and that she was in REMISSION!!!! He told her that although there was a remote chance that she was completely cured, more than likely the cancer would return at some point. He acknowledged that he truly doesn't know what to expect, based on evidence-based results, because there isn't much (if any) evidence for this in someone 81 years old. What this now means for Mom is that she will be monitored closely (appointments every month) where they will check her lab values and how things are progressing. He also counseled her to watch for things like bleeding, bruises that don't heal, mouth sores, marked increase in fatigue, and infections. She continues on her coumadin (blood thinner) to help with the clots in her arm, but Mom feels that they are improving. She also had a chest xray as a follow-up to her pneumonia, and we will have the results of that on Monday, but her lungs sounded clear and her oxygen saturation was 94%. Obviously Mom was in great spirits after hearing this amazing news. We as a family have truly been blessed and our prayers have been answered in a wonderful way. I, like you, am deeply grateful for the Lord's watchful care and tender mercies through this whole process. Mom and Dad send their love to all of you and thank you for your constant prayers in their behalf. We hope you all have a wonderful and meaninful Easter.

With much love,
Laurel

P.S. Here are the results from Mom's blood work yesterday:

WBC--4.12 (Normal 4.5-11.0)
RBC--4.35 (Normal 4.2-5.4)
Hemoglobin--13.6 (Normal 12-16)
HCT--40.6 (Normal 37-47)
Platelets 178 (Normal 140-440)
Neutrophils 61.2 (Normal 37-80)
Absolute Neutrophils 2.52

Her blood chemistry (sodium, potassium, etc.) were all within normal range.

Terrific, isn't it?

March 4

Dear Family,
I went with Mom to a follow-up doctor's appointment today and things are really looking good. All of Mom's lab tests are great and in fact, her white blood count is in the normal range for the first time since before she got sick. Dr. Wallentine did another bone marrow biopsy to see exactly what is going on and he won't get those results for a week or so, but he seemed very optimistic that Mom might be in remission. It looks very promising that Mom won't have to face any more chemo for now. That was really good news.
Mom is feeling pretty good but is still more weak and tired than she would like to be. Dr. Wallentine says that it is probably a result of her having had pneumonia along with everything else. Mom still doesn't have much appetite but occasionally finds something that tastes pretty good. She doesn't quite feel like herself yet but she was so encouraged by the good report today. It will just take a little more time for her to get her strength back but she is making steady progress. She did really well on the Sisters Retreat in Texas this past weekend and we were so happy for that.
Here are some of her stats and lab results from today:
Blood pressure - 102/60; Pulse - 87; Oxygen 93; INR - 2.5 (this is a value related to the thinness of her blood and is perfect since it should be between 2 and 3)
White blood count - 4.75; Red blood count - 4.51; Hemaglobin - 13.9;
Hematocrit - 41.9; Albumin - 3.7; Platelets - 248! and ANC (absolute neutrophil count) - 3.58!!
We are so grateful for this wonderful news. Keep praying that the bone marrow biopsy results will be marvelous!

Love,
Kathie