MDS sucks.

One of our worst fears was confirmed this evening. Results from Joe's bone marrow biopsy were back already. Joe's donor cells decreased to a mere 35%. The rest is mostly bad stuff - evil, awful MDS stuff. We were prepared for the news. But you can bet that we were hoping and praying and hoping and praying that what we heard would be the opposite of what we were prepared for.

So here is the current revised plan as I understand it. Joe's CMV takes first priority, because it can cause huge problems if left untreated. Once the doctors get one CMV negative, they will start treating Joe's MDS. It is still unclear what that treatment will entail. So far, it sounds like Joe will either be treated with Decitabine or Induction chemotherapy. The "good" news is that a second transplant, although likely, isn't as 100% as we first thought. That means there is still a ray of hope that we can cling to. Some patients, after being put back in remission following a relapse are fortunate enough to find that the donor cells suddenly come back. Wouldn't that be wonderful! It is a possibility, so that's what we're praying for now.

Send Joe some love! He could use it now more than ever. It just seems like after everything he's been through already, he's back at square one. Love him! (I know, you all already do - so very much.) Thank you. :)
Patient e-card greetings. (West Penn, Rm. T-715. )

Thank you to the Breast Center for the super awesome card. All of you are always so creative and funny. We love it!

Many thanks also to:
Caryn
Sha
Karin & Bryan
Shelley
The Miller Family
Daddy
Sylvia
Katy
Lilly P.
Deb from CT
Cousin Ben, Kristin, Alex, & Lauren (pulling out all of Ben's old tricks really worked to make us laugh!)
Gretchen
2 more "Anonymous people

for the cards! They really put a smile on Joe's face.
Joe also got two of the cutest cards decorated with crayon. We don't know who they are from (a class project maybe?), but they are SO cute. One from "A special friend" and one from Luke.