Update - Day 172

We met with the doctors to get the result of Barb's biopsy. Unfortunately, it was bad news. The Leukemia is still there. Naturally, this is a very sad time for us, because now the available options are not as attractive:

--Do nothing and the remaining time will be short.

--Take a high risk (relatively low success rate) "mis-matched" bone marrow transplant using the stem cells from one of Barb's partially matched sisters. This is a treatment that has no recourse -- if it does not go well. And, she could spend the rest of her time in the hospital.

--Take unproven, but hopeful, experimental Chemo treatments which would allow Barb to stay home during the treatment ... if she is able to tolerate the drugs and avoid infections.

Barb has decided to fight on and participate in a clinical trial with a new combination of Chemo drugs. The drugs have been effective in treating other types of blood cancers, and in the laboratory have been very effective with AML Leukemia. However, testing in AML patients has just begun. The side effects should be moderate, and perhaps the treatment will work for her. If not, she will probably be able to stay home, and there are still other clinical trials available.

We continue to hope for the best that she can get into remission and have a "matched" bone marrow transplant with her brother Bob. However, we are also being realistic and are planning accordingly. We are trying to make every day the best it can be. Yesterday, on the way home from the out-patient clinic, we stopped off for a Sunday movie matinee. It was a nice break.