Posted on by rallytogetherwithjengmailcom

Good News/Bad News Kinda Day

So plans have changed.

One of the common side effects of this clinical trial drug is a rash. Last evening Jen noticed she was itchy and today as we are sitting here at the James, she developed a rash. It has become more apparent as they day has progressed. It covers about 70% of her body and since it is more then 30%, she is being admitted.

So the good news is her chemo will start two days sooner then expected. The bad news is she will not be able to be home for the next several weeks.

She will get chemo for 7 days. On two of those days she will get two chemo drugs. They call this 7+ 3.

About day 10 her counts will fall dramatically. This is where she is at most risk for infection. About 2 weeks in her hair will begin to fall out. 4 weeks we should see a rebound in numbers if everything is working. When numbers improve she will be able to go home.

Posted on by rallytogetherwithjengmailcom

AML -Acute Myeloid Leukemia

Jennifer had her bone marrow biopsy on Monday.  And late yesterday afternoon, the doctors shared with us her diagnosis.  Jen has what is known as Acute Myeloid Leukemia or AML. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a type of cancer in which the bone marrow makes abnormal myeloblasts (a type of white blood cell), red blood cells, or platelets. Later this week we will hear exactly what cells are being effected and a treatment plan.

The plan for today is to get a central line put in that she can receive chemo and other drugs through.  It is a short procedure that she will remain awake through.

To learn more about about AML, please go to http://www.cancercenter.com/leukemia/types/tab/acute-myeloid-leukemia/

Posted on by rallytogetherwithjengmailcom

Egg Harvesting | A Word From Jen |

So today while talking with the doctor. If it is leukemia it could possibly be pre leukemia.

The plan was if I were to have chemo done to harvest some of my eggs to save so that I could have a better chance at having kids in the future.

Unfortunately due to how long it takes to prep my body for an egg harvest it would postpone any treatment. Which my doctor strongly advises against.

As hard as it is to hear that everyone person and body is different and I still may have viable eggs even after treatment.

But I also am ok with looking to other options for a family in my future.

Not the best news to hear, but I won’t let it stop me from getting better. I can become a mom on other ways but need to be healthy for that.

My transfusion went well with no side effects. I also had my CT scan this morning.

My mom is here now for the day and I have the possibility of having some visitors later today.

I am in good spirits and ready to give it my all.

Please if you can donate blood whether you are my blood type or not please do so. One donation = 4 transfusions. Although your blood may not go to me directly it will replenish what I used today or be used to help someone else in need.

Thank you for all the prayers and good vibes. I truly and blessed to have such great support.