2 steps forward...

I am staying the night in the hospital with Paul and I can't sleep. This cot they let me use is not the most comfortable thing in the world and there is actually some guy a couple doors down moaning and crying. That is pretty much how I feel right now but thankfully Paul is still asleep.

On Tuesday evening we were visited by Dr. Koreth who is the head of the bone marrow transplant team. He came to really fill us in on what they hope to accomplish with the transplant and the risks. Unfortunately there are so many risks it is too depressing right now to list them. The biggest obstacle will be infections and what is called Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD). GvHD is where the donor's cells start attacking Paul's body because it doesn't recognize it. They search for the best match possible but not everything would be exact which then causes issues. Dr. Koreth's prognosis was disheartening and not exactly as high as we would have liked. He said there is about 50% chance of survival and coping with the issues of GvHD and then 50% chance Paul would not make it. But all of the doctors agree, this is his best chance at long term survival. If they didn't attempt the bone marrow transplant the Leukemia will certainly return and would become resistant to the chemo.

They are going to begin searching for a match and would like to get the transplant done within the next 2-3 months. He will be in the hospital for another four weeks during that time. We have received many wonderful offers from family and friends to test to be a match for Paul. The doctors say they have millions in their registry now and have a 70% chance of finding a good match for Paul. If we have enough offers (50 -100) of people willing to test they can hold a bone marrow drive for us. If you would truly be interested please email me at paw10198@aol.com. Thank you so much - and please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers.