Much Overdue Update: August 21, 2016

When I last wrote, Derek was preparing for 10 palliative radiation treatments to try to halt the progression of tumor growth in his face and neck. He completed those treatments by the end of July and seemed to be making progress. His labs were improving slowly, and the number of needed transfusions slowed and then stopped completely as his counts recovered. He began an experimental treatment on July 25 that we hoped would target a specific cancer cell marker he had. While his energy and appetite remained low, we enjoyed some time at home with weekly clinic visits.

Two weeks ago at the clinic visit, his white count was slightly higher than usual and his platelets went down instead of up. We noticed the change, but weren't alarmed because we believed it to be an effect of the targeted treatment he was getting.

Last week, his labs showed still higher white count (still within normal range) and dropping platelets. This time his electrolytes were off, his liver enzymes were elevated, and the doctor noted that his spleen and liver were enlarged. He scheduled a bone marrow biopsy for this last Wednesday. Following the biopsy, Derek was admitted to the hospital to try to balance his electrolytes which were worse.

The news is not good. The bone marrow biopsy showed that Derek's marrow is 33% leukemic blasts, which means he has relapsed fully in his marrow. Back in February when he relapsed, it came back as lymphoma in his face and neck, and he only had minimal involvement of his marrow. He never achieved remission this time around, though, and while radiation brought down the tumors in his face and neck, we knew it was a matter of time until it showed up somewhere else. It is kin...d of like playing Whack-a-Mole, only this isn't a game. We were hoping his stem cell graft would hold it in check in his marrow as it has done for nearly two years, but sadly this is not the case. His white count is rising, his electrolytes have been out of balance, and his liver and spleen are getting larger and putting pressure on his lungs, causing pain and breathing issues. Things are not looking good for him. He remains in the hospital. 

Once again, we are faced with tough choices about continued treatment. We have been taking our cues from Derek. As long as he has fight left, we will continue to fight for him. While he is tired of taking pills, having tubes and wires attached all over him, and though he is having a lot of discomfort right now, he is not ready to quit. So, even though we are weary of this long journey and so tired of watching him suffer, we won't quit either. We are looking at our options, which aren't many, and are asking God for guidance. We so much appreciate your prayers that uplift us to our merciful Heavenly Father. We will see what He will do.