Post # 30

Several tests to be performed

Monday we went to Dr. Castro to get a check on Bill's status. Several vials of blood were taken to test more than just his CBC. We did see a response to the Neupogen, nothing like the first round.

2.59 WBC

2.00 Neutrophils - Just enough to fight infection

0.22 Lymphocytes

We received an update on the second opinion for the bone marrow biopsy and it was not what we were expecting. The slides were not sent to NIH in Bethesda, MD. We requested that Dr. Castro call the lab at Moffitt and tell them the patient has requested the slides to be sent for the second opinion. We are hoping that will do the trick. It is very important to me that the second opinion is received to have piece of mind with the diagnosis.

Bill has been scheduled for a round of testing to determine if he has achieved remission.

8/10/10 - A PET/CT scan will be performed to determine the exact size of the spleen.

8/12/10 - The third bone marrow biospy will be performed - Bill's sister Margy will be the caregiver for the day. Help that is greatly appreciated.

8/16/10 - Follow up visit with Dr. Castro

The bone marrow biopy will be performed at Parrish Medical Center in Titusville, FL which is where I work. This is great news as we will not need to travel to Moffitt in Tampa. Since we are at least a month or two out from a possible date for the bone marrow transplant, it is not critical that we go to Moffitt this time. We were informed that just prior to the transplant Bill will need to have another biopsy done (#4), that one will need to be performed at Moffitt.

As of today all kits that were sent out to the siblings have been returned to Moffitt. They should have the last one by 10:00am tomorrow. In the afternoon we will call to confirm receipt.

This week is the IV drip, with Cladribine, every day Monday through Friday. As of today the count is as follows:

25 Campath injections

12 Cladribine - IV treatments

15 Neupogen Injections

24 Blood Draws
Neulasta

Pictures of Bill with the staff at the infusion center.

Bill with Janine

Bill with Ollie

Bill with Sylvia