Thursday, May 24, 2007

Please pray for my son: Good news

First, I would like to thank all of you for your prayers and kind notes of encouragement, they have really meant a lot over the past few days. We just heard from the Hematologist that the bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of CML, a rare form of Leukemia. Fortunately, over the past seven years, a new drug named Gleevec has proven extremely effective at controlling CML. Prior to seven years ago, the only option for my son would be a bone marrow transplant. Stephen's current treatment plan is to start a daily regiment (by mouth) of the drug. This drug is typically well tolerated with few side effects, predominantly an upset stomach which should go away after a few weeks on the drug. It should take about 3 months for the CML to go into complete remission, although he may need to stay on the medication indefinitely to prevent a relapse. He should be released from the hospital this weekend and should be able to return to work the week following. We are very happy and thankful to God for this good prognosis. Again, thank you for your prayers, thoughts, and kind notes over the past few days, we appreciate each and every one of them.

Thanks again, David

3 comments:

  1. Anonymous4:30 AM

    Hi David - people say that if there is one type of Leukaemia to have, then CML is the one. Largely based upon the current drugs on the market (imatinib / gleevec) but new ones that are just appearing such as dmatinib and sprycel...

    you will find a host of information and support groups for CML on the net.

    such as http://www.cmlsupport.org.uk

    I was diagnosed with CML back in december 2006 and am hopefully doing ok :)

    Rob : http://cmlblog.spaces.live.com

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  2. Anonymous9:32 AM

    Praise God, David, for some good news to go with that prognosis.

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