Looks like a few wrinkles developed for ole Tom Massaro.
He could use some more prayers according to this update from his wife:
Tom returned from Danville last Saturday after 6 days of chemotherapy. This time, they gave him one drug (cytarabine) at a high dose but cut out the second drug (daunorubicin) that reeks havoc on his heart. This is the first of 3 consolidation therapies that he'll receive. Each therapy cycle from start to finish, including recovery and before he begins the next treatment, should be approximately 4 weeks. Tom felt pretty good when he first came home, but has been feeling very tired since yesterday. I'm assuming his blood counts are dropping fast as expected. He goes back to Danville tomorrow for a transfusion to give his blood a much needed boost.
We have learned a few other things, some good and some not as good. The cytogenetics results from Tom's bone marrow biopsy show that Tom's leukemia has a chromosomal abnormality that works in his favor-i.e. more favorable prognosis and potentially greater response to chemotherapy. That is good news. The caveat is that this same type of leukemia can migrate to the central nervous system, unlike most other types of AML which stay put in the bone marrow and bloodstream. As a result, in addition to 3 consolidation treatments, Tom will need to receive 5 treatments of intrathecal (in the spine) chemotherapy through injection. I'm certain this treatment can't be pleasant, but we're trying to stay focused on the positive part of this news. The plan the doctor has laid out is for Tom is to recover from his first consolidation treatment by early July, get intrathecal treatments once (or twice for some weeks) in July/early August and then finish up with the next two consolidation treatments in August and September.
It's a long long treatment process but the end is, hopefully, in sight Overall, Tom's spirits continue to be good. Understandably, though, he has his ups and downs. The yo yo effect of beginning to feel good, being brought down by the next chemo treatment, recovering and beginning to feel good only to face another treatment takes its toll. Still, I continue to be amazed at Tom's strength, his resolve and his positive attitude. We continue to find something to laugh and smile about each day and remain full of hope.
Ann
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Tom, keep the Son in your eyes!
Topic: Another Brother with a fight on his hands (Read 2658 times)
