We had the car packed up with clothes, pillows, blankets, food, etc for the 2nd time, ready for Chase to be admitted. Egleston called yesterday to remind us of his clinic appointment today, reminding us that he wasn't to have any food and only clear liquids after midnight since he would be having a bone marrow aspiration. A bone marrow aspiration? I thought perhaps it was a mix-up or something they had scheduled "just in case". After all, we were going back to the hospital to find out what the molecular-level bone aspiration results were from LAST week.
Once we arrived, they informed us that they were, in fact, doing a bone marrow aspiration, but we still had not heard the results from last week. Dr.Cooper stopped by the procedure room where we were waiting to speak to David and me. Chase was napping, so we walked to another room to talk.
The result?
The tests were inconclusive!!
Some measure of good news is that the BCR-abl test was negative. Although Chase had shown signs of the Philadelphia chromosome last time, which is an indicator of CML (chronic leukemia), he is showing no signs of it. Big sigh of relief!
However, the molecular results of his Leukemia cells show that they are not the same type that they were last time. Although Chase has the AML form of Leukemia, there are subtypes of AML broken down into classifications by chromosome abnormalities. Last time he was diagnosed with Inversion 16, which is one of the most favorable subtypes to have because it responds the best to treatment. In Inversion 16, the 16th chromosome (from what I understand) breaks apart and re-attaches upside down. From what Dr.Cooper told us today, what they are seeing isn't a "normal" inversion - the inversion wasn't complete.
As of right now, we don't know what the percentage of blast cells are in his blood stream and marrow. We should (fingers crossed) know that information by Wednesday (1/27). If there is a higher saturation of blast cells in the marrow, I think they will be able to make a (somewhat) definitive diagnosis that he is having a relapse, and outline some type of treatment. Dr. Cooper spoke of perhaps admitting him later this week or early next week as long as the percentage is within acceptable ranges.
What we also know is that his blood counts (red, and platelet counts) are lower, but not significantly. His white blood cells have increased, but that's to be expected if he now has more blast cells in his bloodstream. If his blasts are still at a low percentage, then they will have him come back weekly for bone marrow aspirations until the results are able to present a clear diagnosis.
Chase, of course, was thrilled to get to come home, and we're very happy to have him home. But honestly this has us in knots. It's mentally exhausting to prepare yourself for being admitted (including packing), and then be told to go home again. I'm not a fan of rides that disorient and make me feel like my stomach is still on the ride after I get off. Unfortunately, that's how I feel right now. You know, it probably wouldn't be so bad had I actually gotten to enjoy the ride first - not in this case.
I have to commend Dr.Cooper who was wonderful today. He knows how this is affecting us, and even he wishes he could tell us something. While we were waiting, he put in a call to the Director of the Aflac Cancer Center, Dr.Woods, who is the past President of the Children's Oncology Group (COG), and to the current president of COG, Dr. Adamson to get advice on Chase's case. Both agreed that for the time being, no treatment and continued bone marrow testing is the best path until something conclusive presents itself.
So, if the next time you see me I appear to have a few spots where my hair appears thinner - you'll know why. Your continued prayers are, as always, very welcomed! If we receive any updates, I will pass them along.
Thank you so much for the prayers and support!
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