More Waiting...

Today was another long clinic appointment day.

Tonight we are wishing we had more good news to share than not so good news.

Focusing on the good - Elena's kidney function tests were stable and one slightly improved, so it looks like we are on track to have Elena's central line removed before Christmas. That would be a huge praise!!

All other news from today's visit - not so good.
First, all of Elena's counts dropped. What does this mean? We aren't sure yet.  A one time dip in counts would not be a big concern.  If this is the beginning of a downward tread, then it would be concerning.

So, when you combine this news with a chimerism test showing less than 100% donor cells - - could we possibly be dealing with another relapse.  Yes, we could be. But for now, no one, other than God knows for sure. We have not had the "this could possibly indicate a relapse" discussion with Elena.  At this point, she's not interested and for now that's ok. We wish we had her carefree, trusting attitude! She's beyond amazing!!

Now, the plan is to wait on today's chimerism results. 
We were told that we should know these results by next Tuesday or Wednesday.  If the results are less than 100% donor cells, a bone marrow aspirate will be scheduled.  If they are 100% donor cells, we will once again be thanking God for another answered prayer and praising Him.

Regardless of the chimerism test results, Elena's next clinic appointment will be on Monday, December 17th.  As usual, labs will be drawn, but due to other not so good news, Elena will also have a ACTH stimulation test to test her adrenal gland function.  Because Elena has been on steroids for so long, her adrenal gland function could be suppressed. We didn't really ask many questions about this, we figured we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Another negative about today was that two blood chemistry tests showed that Elena's liver enzyme levels rose again and that there are signs of inflammation.  Some medications adjustments were made to see if we can get these liver numbers moving in the right direction.

So, how are we feeling tonight..
"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed, perplexed, but not in despair, persecuted, but not abandoned, stuck down, but not destroyed." 2 Corinthians 4:8

Praying:
for 100% donor cells
for the peace that passing all understanding in the waiting
to see and feel joy in each and every day

In Him,
The Tates

"For the Lord your God is the one who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies (leukemia) to give you victory." Deuteronomy 20:4