We received wonderful news today. It began this morning at AJ's doctor's appointment, where we were told his bone marrow biopsy showed normal stem cell production for all three blood cell lines. YAY! His counts continue to rise, with white blood cell counts and platelets counts within normal ranges and red blood cell counts getting closer. We joked with Dr. Vear that one day they were actually going to give us a CBC report with no asterisks (meaning all numbers were within normal range) and on that day I will probably cry!
The even better news came this afternoon via a phone call from Misty, one of the transplant team nurses. She told us the results of the genetic study of the bone marrow indicated 99% of the marrow was of donor origin. This is a very high percentage at this stage post-transplant and the final confirmation of successful engraftment. This is the test result we have been praying for and are absolutely thrilled!!!! Again, AJ's battle is not complete and we must continue the disciplined regimen of medications, very limited contact, and constant monitoring. But this is one GIGANTIC step on his journey! God is Good!!!!
Also a big HAPPPY 3rd BIRTHDAY to JACKERS! We can't wait to see him (and his brothers) and celebrate AGAIN tomorrow! This is AJ talking with Jack via Skype at 8:31 this morning, right as Jack was turning three (although due to the number of celebrations he has had, he has decided he is now 4!).
AJ's hat of the day is not a silly one, but rather a patriotic one, and we love it!
Have a great weekend!
Cindy and Greg
PS - Updates are not coming as often as we have less to update, but we will continue with messages every 2-3 days.
8 comments:
AJ,
Awesome! The power of prayer has truly been at work. God is Great!
Enjoy Jack's special day!
Love,
Ms. Jackie
AJ!!!!!! I didn't mean to ignore you, but David and I were on a houseboat on Lake Powell and didn't have any phone or computer access. Do you know where Lake Powell is? It is in Southern Utah and Northern Arizona--spans hundreds of miles--you should check it out on the internet; really beautiful. It is there because they built a dam on the Colorado River called the Glenn Canyon Dam and that's why Lake Powell is there in the middle of the the redrock desert. It is very beautiful there and very hot. Lots of incredible sandstone rock formations that are huge. The water is just the right temperature for swimming and cooling off. We explored slot canyons--both swimming them and hiking them, kayaked, swam and David drove me on the jet-ski a few times. We were there with David's brother, wife and some of their friends. It was great fun. Then, we went to the city of Flagstaff, AZ (elevation, 7,000 feet--it's near the Grand Canyon) and visited with David's nephew who has 4 little girls, ages 5, 3, 2 and 4 months. 4 girls, just like your family has 4 boys! We went hiking in the mountains and the desert there and went to a volcano that was small and erupted 1,000 years ago. We walked through an ancient lava flow that was pretty cool! It was like a mini-Mt. St. Helens. We also saw ruins built by native people who lived about 1,000 years ago. They were just incredible. We just got back Wednesday night, so I'm now catching up on your blog. I just read all of the updates right up to today and am just THRILLED with such a wonderful report! Your hats are fantastic and the apartment looks great! Hey, which hat did my mom (Donna Dugaw) send? I think she told me she sent you a silly hat. Well, I'm back home now, so I will follow your progress. Buckle down and do your schoolwork, OK?? Please? Bye for now, AJ...
Love,
Mary Jo (& David)
AJ,
This is FANTASTIC news!!!!!! This news makes MANY people smile!!! You have lots to celebrate on Saturday.
Lots of love!
Mrs. Parker
I am not sure when I read your blog if I am going to laugh or cry. Today is a crying day. Happy tears! This is fabulous news. I am so glad you get to spend today with your brothers. Tell Jack we all said, "Happy Birthday." Tell your Mom and Dad they are doing a great Job. Tell yourself to keep up the greatabulous job. Love to you all. D,T,A,G and R
Hey A.J.,
It seems that every day when I read your blog I get exciting news! I am so happy for you and your family that you are healing in record time :). Jack looks so happy to be talking to you on the computer - I bet you can make him laugh pretty hard, can't you? You're such a good big brother. Have a great time with your family celebrating Jack's birthday! By-the-way that Space Needle model is very impressive! You're quite talented. We love you!
Paul,Lindsay,David & Kendal
AJ,
Thinking about you and hoping you are having a great weekend with your brothers. I have had lots of dance, so that is why I haven't been checking as often. Mom gives me updates and we are always thrilled by the continuing great news.
Love,
Anna
Hi AJ & Family:
Great news! I am happy that everything is going well. Hang in there for the rest of it. You'll be back home before you know it. Good job, AJ!
Lily
AJ and family,
We are all so tickled at what God is doing. There are so many people that love you and lift you up in prayer everyday. We are all thankful for you AJ!!
Love,
Ms. Julianna
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