My Doctor at MDA called me late this afternoon to report that my bone marrow test results from last Friday showed a dramatic increase in my blast level, indicating that my MDS has transformed to Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). As a result I am being removed from the study I wrote about last week and will be placed in a more aggressive treatment program. They currently anticipate that I will start aggressive chemotherapy starting as early as this Friday. The first cycle of application will occur by IV on days 1, 3 and 5 and will be supplemented by additional oral medication for 2 weeks. They anticipate that I will be hospitalized for 28 days, but still remain optimistic that I can receive a bone marrow stem cell transplant when the AML goes into remission.
The primary chemotherapy drug they intend to use via IV is known as VYXEOS. This drug is a liposome consisting of daunorubicin and cytarabine applied by IV as chemotherapy used for treatment of certain types of newly-diagnosed AML, including patients who previously had MDS. We are still scheduled to meet with the Stem Cell Transplant Group this Wednesday and remain optimistic about a positive outcome. Just a minor variation in my path toward a cure. I never have taken the easy road in life and know I will meet and beat this challenge. With a little help from my friends, family and a lot of prayers I will return to full strength and be ready to ride in another MS-150 bike ride soon – maybe an excuse to buy an electric bike!
Thanks to all,
John L.
Cancer Journey 
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