We returned to Riley Hospital this morning for a bone marrow test on Myla that would tell us how effective the second round of chemotherapy was. This test was significant because the results help determine whether Myla will move forward with the remaining 3 rounds of chemotherapy (preferred) or undergo a bone marrow transplant (not preferred). Thankfully, the results showed that Myla's leukemia is in remission, and that's good news! Her bone marrow still contained 2-3% of the leukemia cells, and any reading under 5% is good. In fact, one doctor told us that normal people might have 2-3% leukemia cells in their marrow. Interesting.
What do the results mean? It means that the chemo protocol is working. What it doesn't mean, however, is that Myla's chances for survival are any better than when she first started her treatments. Dr. Kumar was careful to reiterate that Myla still has a 50-50 chance of surviving AML, and this will still be the case when we are dismissed from the hospital following her final round of chemo in May or June. In other words, half the children who survive the chemo treatments and leave the hospital with the disease in remission live long enough to see their 5th birthday.
Later in the week we will find out if a bone marrow transplant is in the plans.
Myla's ANC today was 714, which was a bit lower than what the doctors would like to see as she heads into the 3rd round of chemo, so they sent us back home with the choice of being readmitted on Friday or the following Monday. We decided on Monday to give us a few more days of family time.
The next round of chemo involves only 5 days of chemo infusions, but the chemo is more intensive--the doses are not only higher, but they are flushed into her system much faster than the previous two rounds. The doctors talked to us today about the higher risks that Myla might face when the next round starts, and while they are serious, we are cautiously optimistic.
When I get the chance, I'll post some pictures from today. Thanks again for your concerns and prayers. Thanks also to BBC for the gas cards that Holly Foster dropped off for us!
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My prayer for Myla is that she would not suffer during the treatments and that they would be effective. I will continue to pray that for her.
She is such a trouper through all of the treatments! We pray for all of you during this time of waiting.
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