I typically end my posts with “Keep those prayers, positive manifestations, healing vibes & energy, and good juju coming.” But this time, I’m starting my post with it, because we really need your prayers, manifestations, good energy, and happy juju!
You might remember my post titled “Victories and Defeats“. Well, we suffered a pretty big defeat last week. On Friday, December 16, we got the results of Danny’s bone marrow biopsy and learned that the induction chemotherapy did not work.
In my last post, I stated, “If [the induction chemotherapy] did a good job of killing the bad AML cells, he will then move on to ‘consolidation therapy’.” Unfortunately, it didn’t do a good job; the bone marrow biopsy showed us that there are still a lot of AML cells being produced by his bone marrow.
It is not completely uncommon for AML to be resistant to induction therapy, because AML is, by its very nature, a very aggressive cancer. Danny’s induction therapy was the same “7+3” chemo regimen given to AML patients all around the country (the world, in fact!), but his cancer is obviously as stubborn as he is. (Sorry, Danny!!)
So, today, Monday, December 19, we were admitted to the hospital for “re-induction therapy”. This is a second attempt to kill all those rotten little AML cells using a more intensive chemo regimen. Danny’s chemo started this afternoon. We’re not sure how long this hospital visit will last, but we’ve got our fingers crossed for a shorter stay than the first round. I will keep you posted.
Many of you have asked how the search for a bone marrow donor is going. So, here’s a short update… The transplant team has scoured the donor registries around the globe, and they have not found a full match. Regrettably, Danny’s brother is not a suitable match. They have found some half-matches that can be used if no full-match is located. They will continue to search until it’s time for the transplant.
Several of you were eager to get tested only to find out that you’re too old. (I know… it hurt me too. So rude!! Lol!) Be The Match and other donor programs prefer donors that are 18-40 because cells from younger donors lead to better outcomes for patients. We learned that during the transplantation process, cells age approximately 10 years. So, the whippersnappers are preferred!
While you may not be able to donate your stem cells to Danny, you can still help by sending all the good things our way and leaving comments below. Thank you for the continued support! Much love to you all!!
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