Leukemia

February 8, 2019

The doctor called late today to provide us with an update and the results of the procedures we had done yesterday. My bone marrow showed about 50% cancerous cells. This is above the threshold for lymphoma and thus my diagnosis has been updated to T Lymphoblastic Leukemia. This change in diagnosis doesn’t mean much on the surface. The treatment is a bit more intensive in the beginning, but will stay around the two year mark for total treatment. Instead of about 6 months for the first portion, we’re looking at about 7.5 months.

The spinal fluid came back as “inconclusive.” They always assume some cancerous cells are present, but there weren’t enough to cause any change to the treatment plan. I will still receive multiple spinal taps through the coming months. Those will always include a dose of Chemotherapy, and will be checked for cancerous cells.

Mike and I must make a decision on our fertility options by tomorrow. We are both struggling so much with this decision and could really use your prayers for direction and peace.

If we choose to forgo egg collection, treatment will start this week. Going forward with collection would push treatment to starting in about 2 weeks.

Mike’s family is also facing the impending passing of his Grandmother. Hospice has been called in, and they are keeping her comfortable until she is called home. She is 93 years old, and while we all knew this day would come, the timing is less than ideal. Please say a special prayer for each of the Russmans today.