New Transplant Day Zero

Hey, more news. Mark's stem cell transplant has been moved: The first likely day is Thursday, September 3. (Day zero) It is just difficulty lining things up. It's not sickness. Because it is so far away, Mark has to have a regular chemo treatment in between.   -Susan

Good News....

I just finished my Pulmonary test. Last time I got a 72. I needed an 80 to get in the trial. Today I got an 85. Yea

Heading to see the Nurse to see what is next. Will keep you posted

Sabbatical for lungs

It looks like the lung medicine is working.  Mark can walk longer distances each day. 

The inhaler medicine is fluticasone propionate and is a corticosteroid. -Susan

Next step with lungs

Mark is taking an inhaler steroid twice a day and walking to strengthen his lungs.

I have been teaching him how to bubble (singing practice technique for strengthening your lungs).

His next lung test is on July 16 (Thursday). - Susan

Clinical trial

The trial is very specific.  Each patient has to have each body part working in a good way.  It makes the data better, so we learn more.

And it makes the FDA happy. -Susan

Timeframe

It looks like ten days of meds for the lungs and then a lung test.  He still has a PICC line and I have to take a class to learn to flush it.  -Susan

Discouraging news...

My Doc called last night. He said the Toxo test was negative that was the good news. He then said the bad news was I did not do well on the Lung tests. He said I only got a 72% on a particular test when the company that does the trial requires an 80%. He said he made a case to make an exception but they declined. 

So everything has been put on hold. The good news is the donor has agreed to hold. My Doc asked about lung problems and I recounted my episode with pneumonia. We are going to meet Monday to see if we can come up with a plan to get my lungs in better condition.

More about the Antibody Test...

Janice asked what the antibody test meant. I tested positive for the Toxoplasmosis antibody. This is a common infection that a standard immune system handles quite well. The positive antibody test means i have had it. The question is when. The second test that we are waiting on will answer whether I have an active infection or that I just had it in the past and it is now gone. If the second test comes back positive, it will need to be treated before I continue. We will see.

Today was port day..

Had 2 surgical procedures today. One took out the port in my chest. During the second one they put in a PICC line in my arm to make infusions in my arm easier

Met with my main Doc today. All my tests are good except I came back with a positive antibody test he did not like. They sent out another blood sample to the Mayo Clinic. Results need to be back before I start Chemo on Sunday. Fingers crossed it is negative.