Had my bone marrow biopsy yesterday and received great news today. The biopsy showed that the chemotherapy has effectively killed all cellular elements that make white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets, including all of the cancerous white blood cell blasts. The biopsy indicated a hypocellular or “empty” marrow. That means that my chemotherapy treatments will stop tonight and I will continue to be evaluated in isolation for the next 6 days until my discharge on Thursday, November 8. On my way out the door, they will perform another bone marrow biopsy (my fifth) to determine how the cells are repopulating, i.e., if they are all growing back in normally or if there are still signs of cancerous cells. The results from this biopsy will dictate my future treatment regimen and path forward for a stem cell transplant. It is most likely that I will at least have to undergo one more round of chemotherapy; however, the good news is that I can do this as an outpatient with daily trips to MDA. At least I will be able to come home!
Several of you have asked how the bone marrow biopsy is conducted. It’s like taking a core sample from your hip bone: cancer.govDefinition of bone marrow biopsy – NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms –
National Cancer Institute. They shoot you up with a lot of lidocaine and then drill away to collect their sample. It takes a lot of strength not to reach out and kick someone!
No fever last night, and cat scans from yesterday show no nasal area or lung infections. I got to escape the unit in a “bubble” yesterday to go down for my cat scans. I attempted to offer my “driver”, Sergio, cash to take me to a bar while en route, but with no success.
My sister Debra and her husband Jesse drove over from the Austin area yesterday to visit and greatly lifted my spirits. Lorraine came down too and was able to go out to lunch with them before they had to leave. Had a wonderful visit. Jesse is turning 80 and is an inspiration to keep going, and Debra has always been a solid, thoughtful and loving sister!
Thanks to all for your prayers and continued support. I will keep you posted on my progress and anticipated treatment plans in the coming weeks, but for now just want to sing praises for successful treatments to date.
Yours in Christ,
John L.
Cancer Journey 
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