A rare bird...

We have been waiting - not so patiently - to finally hear a confirmed diagnosis. From the bone marrow biopsy they did they have run a total of 3 different tests, held conferences between the doctors, and many discussions back and forth. They will now say that Paul has Acute Undifferentiated Leukemia. So they can't pin his cancer on one specific one but will treat him for Leukemia. Dr. Wadleigh called Paul "a rare bird" as this doesn't affect many people.

Paul's platelet levels fell to 10,000 so he was given another transfusion. He has been moved to the Oncology floor of the hospital. On Friday morning he will be receiving a Pickman line in his chest. And on Saturday he will begin his first round of chemotherapy. He will be in the hospital for the next four weeks while undergoing the chemo. After that he will continue with out patient treatments and will need to undergo a bone marrow transplant. Since Paul has no siblings they will look for a match on the registry.

Paul is happy to be moving forward with his treatment but is already feeling the effects of his disease. It has come on quick. He gets winded easily, you can hear it when he speaks. He is very lethargic and naps most of the day. He still has no appetite and needs to be reminded to eat his meals.

We would like to thank everyone again for all of the kind emails and phone calls. Paul will not be able to have visitors for the next month so these help to brighten his day.