So, the great news...and I mean GREAT news...is Carson's bone marrow test came back and there was no leukemia!! Nothin'. Nada. Zilch. Niente!
Can you say miracle??
Just to put things into perspective - at diagnosis the leukemia in Carson's bone marrow was at 89%. This pushed his white blood cell count (which was mostly cancerous leukemia cells) to 240k...WAY over the normal 5 - 10k. At day 9, after the first week of chemo, he was at 7%. Now, at day 16...he's clear! Now THAT'S what I'm talking about when I say we are taking the fight to the leukemia. Sweeeeeet!
I decided to make an appearance at work this afternoon. Jennifer called shortly after I got there with the great news. She was so happy she was crying...which is totally understandable...but she totally scared the pants off of me!
So, what does this all mean? It means that Carson is responding extremely well to the therapy. This particular bone marrow test is a milestone on the treatment road map and puts Carson closer to being categorized as a Rapid Early Responder (RER). Although the longer term treatment pretty much remains the same, we feel a lot better with positive results up front. It's a good indicator...and we'll take it.
Carson and fellow gang member Nils put on a show of force to demonstrate they are still in control of the cul-de-sac.Although he was waited on hand and foot by a wonderful staff at the hospital, Carson has perked up considerably at home. He is back in his own room, his own bed, and has every conceivable toy at his disposal. He is sleeping better and is more active when he's awake. This evening he even wanted to take a spin on his "hog" (otherwise known as a tricycle among normal children). We expected it would be a short ride...and it was...but he enjoyed it. It was just like old times.
Tomorrow we are making our first visit to the outpatient clinic for blood work.
We still have a way to go. Please keep up the prayers. Carson is very susceptible to infection and we have more chemo ahead of us. The next bone marrow test is two weeks away.
Paul.
Tomorrow we are making our first visit to the outpatient clinic for blood work.
We still have a way to go. Please keep up the prayers. Carson is very susceptible to infection and we have more chemo ahead of us. The next bone marrow test is two weeks away.
Paul.
Posts
Paul and Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteYou don't know me but I work with Glynda. Please know that all of your family is in my prayers. I know that this is a very difficult time but GOD is with all of you. He will help you through this difficult time.
GOD bless all of you~~~
Revonda Smith
YEA! YEA! YEA! from Abilene. Go Carson. Keep the good test results coming. I know you are glad to be home. God is so good. How do people with no faith go through times like this?
ReplyDeleteI love all of you. Give Carson a big hug from Auntie.
Auntie
Such great news!
ReplyDeleteMark
Paul and Jennifer,
ReplyDeleteI am SOOO happy to read your great news. I've been following daily with you and praying. I'll look forward to even more great news to come. Take care and know we're all still praying for you all.
Blake and Family (The Muddy Buddy crew)
Prayers of Thanksgiving flowing from us!! Great news. How amazing that there has such a "roadmap" of treatment...I am so thankful to all the familes and doctors who have made that possible. It inspires me to do the very best with the gifts God has given me...You Kings do run the in "fast lane" RER is a appropriate title! Keep up the good fight, we won't let up on the peitions!! love you! Vanessa
ReplyDeletePaul and Jennifer - I'm so very happy to log on and read this news! Praying for continued success with the treatment and for Carson to be a RER!! Kim
ReplyDeleteWonderful news!!! We're praising God right alongside you for His great care! Love, Rob & Erin
ReplyDeleteSuch wonderful news!!!! Please check out my team in training page and foward to all your friends as I race to help find a cure. Go Carson!!
ReplyDeletehttp://pages.teamintraining.org/sfl/wdw10/karmstr6vf
It is great that Carson is home! Carson is probably happy that he's home. He can see his own room, play with is cars and ride around in the col-de-sac! F
ReplyDelete"Give thanks unto the Lord, for he is good!" What wonderful, wonderful news!!!
ReplyDeleteBarbara K. in Fort Worth
Hi Guy's,
ReplyDeleteI am soo thrilled with the GREAT news!!
Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Carol,kevin and Olivia