Blood test: This test looks for something called M-spike or monoclonal spike. It's an indicator of the amount of cancer cells in the blood stream. The results of this test were the same as in January. There is a trace amount of cancer cells still in my bloodstream. The score I received was 0.1. It's about 700% lower than scores from several months ago.
PET scan: Positron emission tomography is used with a radio active tracer to find active tumors. The PET scan found no active tumors. The large tumor in my right shoulder is completely gone.
PET scan: Positron emission tomography is used with a radio active tracer to find active tumors. The PET scan found no active tumors. The large tumor in my right shoulder is completely gone.
Bone marrow aspiration: A core sample of bone marrow is pulled out of the hip. The sample is studied to determine the amount of cancer cells within the marrow. This was the last procedure. They did the aspiration on Monday of this week. The call came in this morning. The results were a big zero! They didn't find ANY cancer cells in my bone marrow.
The doctors are extremely pleased with these results. So am I. It has been an incredibly long journey. It's still not over but I feel that the end of sickness is near. I have always been certain of an eventual cure. My optimism was and still is supported by so many great friends and family who have constantly been there, regardless of my poor health and occasional depression. When I am completely cured, I will have so many people to thank because I could not have gotten through this alone.
Mike
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your. Cure I have 17p deletion also. I take pomolyst 21 days straight and 7 days off. There is no cure only maintenance and juggling of Meds when one stops working good outlook I hope you are right. Only the Lord knows for sure. I took the auto transplant and have great results with all tests negative until it shows its ugly face again. They don't have it together yet. It's going to be awhile if ever. the FDA holds back a cure and the drug companies want to treat it. More profitable you know.
One day and pill at a time and prepare to switch at a moments notice. I am optomoistic but not calling it a cure. Good luck and relax don't overdo yourself and stay away from the germ ridden populous . Be sure your Dr. In anchorage is worth a dime or two after all they don't call it practicing medicine for no reason