Finally got some good news from hosptial yesterday - in simple terms (medically its just too damn complicated!) according to my bone marrow biopsy I have had a good response to chemo - the first lot of tests show that I have less than 5% leukaemia cells in my bone marrow (started of with 40%) - so chemo has been doing a good job of smacking the little buggers hard on the head. There is a second result to await, which is quite important and to do with cytogenetics - ie the chromosome make up of the leukaemia cells - for a really good result, the chemo needs to have had an effect on this too. At this stage I get a bit confused, as it gets really scientific/medical and I am lost in it all. Apparently I have 4 cytogenetic abnormalites, which puts me into the "intermediate risk group" - not as good as "favourable" (better chance of recovery) but not as bad as "adverse" (worse chance of recovery). Most aml patients are in the intermediate risk group. For full remission the cytogenetic test has to be good too. Phwee,
talk about hurdles to jump. Anyway, jumped one at least, which is making me feel more positive - and ready (as one ever can be) to start round 2 of chemo on monday. Have started to eat a bit more, but still slow to put on weight, despite endless snacking on chocolate cornflake bites. But feeling stronger everyday and have so enjoyed just being home - although nothing feels quite the same, as the leukaemia cloud hangs over everything - and that definitely alters my internal world - and has a knock on effect onto how i view the external. I know nothing will ever feel like it was before June 24th. But I guess now that's the big challenge.
Life sure does move in mysterious ways...have a great weekend all. next blog will probably be from samaritan ward. What larks Pip!
delighted to hear your wonderful news, this will help you to put up with the next round of chemo, keep smiling and 3 cheers for Luigi!
ReplyDeletelots of love P
that's a lot of overwhelming terminology to deal with, but the main thing is your body is working hard to get you on the mend. It sounds as if your time at home has been wonderful, hold onto to those memories when you are back in the ward. Fingers crossed for a short and successful stay.
ReplyDeleteI have been spending time in the print co-op in stroud dealing with lots of technical frustrations (screen printing). Paper too thick, emulsion too thick, basically all too thick. But i managed to do a few things and learnt how not to do things! Off to Adirondack (upper NY, US) for a house exchange/holiday mid week. So sending you lots of positive vibes and a speedy 2nd round.
Love Jackx
I read the first few sentences thinking 'cor, Tessa could be a biologist after all this, she sounds so smart!' Then I got to "it gets really scientific/medical and I am lost in it all." That's a shame.
ReplyDeleteKeep the spirits high, beautiful! See you soon!
Love Fin
Good news is good news is good news. Yippee!!! I'll keep my fingers crossed for the next set of results.
ReplyDeleteThings chaotic here in Vegas. My first girl seems lovely and easy, and has a delightful jamaican accent. Second one has much more limited English, and perhaps a stubborn streak??, which is already making things difficult!! The last two are native English speakers, so I should be in the clear there...
All the best from Pageantland. Cripes...
TM
Loving good news and here's to a positive second round in the ring.
ReplyDeleteDing Ding
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such good news Tessa! onward and upward my dear.
ReplyDeleteLove Lisa xx
Good news. I'm off to Singapore on Friday so can report to Sam. Keep those good cells fighting.
ReplyDeleteLots of love Kxxx
Dear Tessa
ReplyDeleteI am sure with your strenght and positive nature you will quickly get rid of those remaining 5% of little buggers.
XXX
gregor