Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Final diagnosis and treatment
Well just as we were expecting. We have the AML form of leukemia. We will not be leaving the hospital for the next month at least. Chemo will probably start tomorrow night 07-05. It will include about 5 to 10 days of chemo then the rest of the month will be waiting for the blood counts to rise. After they rise we will be able to go home for 7-10 days and then the cycle will start again. I know the question every one has, Primary Children's hospital only gets 8-12 children a year with AML. We are looking at a 50-60% chance. Usually kids enter the hospital with 90-95 % leukemia cells and we came in with 28%. The only benefit though is that Trent is starting out heathier than most kids do. It does not really effect the outcome.
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2 comments:
The Farmer Family said...
Hi Tiffany and Jeff,
Here is a link that is full of information on children's cancer that will be helpful...when you have the time of course as I am sure your time is thin.
http://www.childrensoncologygroup.org/
I couldn't find any information on the actual study but take time to read the informed content document that they gave you. Between this document and your doctor, you have the most up-to-date information on side effects, results, history of the study drug and other study details.
From the way you described it, Tiffany, it sounded like a Phase III trial which is the final phase before a drug is reviewed by the FDA for approval. This means the doctors have learned a lot (not everything) about the study drug through Phase I and Phase II testing.
A lot of patients I have worked with in the past have gotten very worried about the treatment they are assigned to if/when they agree to participate in a study... don't worry about this (even though it may be easy to). The non-study drug treatment in this trial is the "best standard of care" the doctors would give Trent anyway. Every person responds a little different to medications so I like to believe that 'a higher power' makes sure each person is assigned (or randomized) to the best one for him/her.
I am available by phone(home:253-0144; cell: 244-7036) or e-mail anytime, day or night to talk about clinical trials.
We were thinking about you all tonight while watching fireworks; hoping the view was good on the roof of PCMC!
Wishing and praying for the best,
Rick, Susan, Brandon, Gregory, Kyle and Casey Farmer
July 5, 2007 12:21 AM
DuVal Family said...
Rick and Susan,
Thank you so much for the information you gave us. Looking over the information we decided to do the study. Unfortunately the computer did not pick us for the new drug so we will do the study without the drug. I believe with all my heart that there is a higher power working for us and carrying us on this journey! Thank you so much for coming up and visiting Trent and bringing the Boys something they loved it! Thanks for just listening and caring so much about our family.
Love Tiff
July 5th 2007 11:15 PM
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