We have some excellent news. Today we went for the results of Catherine's bone marrow test and her genetic test. It was very nerve racking for us today, as the genetic make up of the leukaemic cells has a strong bearing on whether she will be cured or not.
Firstly, the bone marrow test. Catherine needed to have less than 25% leukaemic cells in her bone marrow so that she would not need another General Anaesthetic and bone marrow test tomorrow.
The Consultant told us she only had 0.8% leukaemic cells in the test sample. This is incredible news for us as it is extremely low. It doesn't mean she is cured yet, but it means she is responding extremely well to treatment (with a little help from the huge prayer support).
Secondly, we were relieved and delighted to find out that Catherine has GOOD genetic cells. Good genetic cells means that she is most likely to respond very well to her current treatment. This means we will not need to increase the strength of the chemotherapy and she can remain on the current plan. This should mean less side effects.
The Consultant has told us that, based on the initial response to treatment and the treatable nature of the cells, her prognosis has increased from good to very good.
The next hurdle is the bone marrow test at the end of the first phase of chemotherapy when they need to find no leukaemic cells in the bone marrow. This will ensure that she remains with a very good prognosis, so we need to direct prayers at this and also that she remains infection free with minimal side effects. These are the biggest risks through treatment. The treatment will then be directed at making sure leukaemic cells do not come back.
Firstly, the bone marrow test. Catherine needed to have less than 25% leukaemic cells in her bone marrow so that she would not need another General Anaesthetic and bone marrow test tomorrow.
The Consultant told us she only had 0.8% leukaemic cells in the test sample. This is incredible news for us as it is extremely low. It doesn't mean she is cured yet, but it means she is responding extremely well to treatment (with a little help from the huge prayer support).
Secondly, we were relieved and delighted to find out that Catherine has GOOD genetic cells. Good genetic cells means that she is most likely to respond very well to her current treatment. This means we will not need to increase the strength of the chemotherapy and she can remain on the current plan. This should mean less side effects.
The Consultant has told us that, based on the initial response to treatment and the treatable nature of the cells, her prognosis has increased from good to very good.
The next hurdle is the bone marrow test at the end of the first phase of chemotherapy when they need to find no leukaemic cells in the bone marrow. This will ensure that she remains with a very good prognosis, so we need to direct prayers at this and also that she remains infection free with minimal side effects. These are the biggest risks through treatment. The treatment will then be directed at making sure leukaemic cells do not come back.
Tomorrow we are going back to the hospital for her next chemotherapy treatment and possibly a blood transfusion if she is anaemic. Please pray that this goes smoothly.
We still need to keep on with the two year course of chemotherapy, but this is good news.
Thankyou to the 20,000 individuals (at least) across the world who have been praying for Catherine and for us at this time. I would love to be able to thank you all individually, but it would take up too much space!
Thankyou to the 20,000 individuals (at least) across the world who have been praying for Catherine and for us at this time. I would love to be able to thank you all individually, but it would take up too much space!
And especially, thanks God!
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