Pre-Transplant

Here is an abbreviated summary: In the summer of 2015 Robert found out his cancer numbers were going up and he was coming out of remission. In September we went in for a bone marrow biopsy to confirm that. We also got some other bad news at the time. The test showed an additional chromosome marker that could indicate he had MDS (something that could turn into a second form of cancer Leukemia). This meant that in order to treat both the Myeloma and the MDS he would need a donor transplant. Donor transplants are very dangerous; They have only a 50/50 chance of survival and include several probable health problems during post-transplant, so we've avoided them thus far, hoping they would come up with a better option.

In October, the doctor ordered another bone marrow biopsy (They drill into your hip and get marrow and bone samples.) so they could get a more detailed lab report with additional tests. When the tests came back, the additional chromosome marker indicating possible MDS, had disappeared! When we asked the doctors about this, they had no explanation. They said these tests couldn't be faked, but we know that it was divine intervention and the many faith-filled prayers for us. This was Miracle #1 in his recovery and meant that he could do an autologous transplant (using his own marrow which he had already harvested a lot before his previous transplant.). Hooray! While the autologous transplant is also not very fun, it is certainly more safe than the donor transplant.

In December Robert started a pretty intensive chemo regime. He was able to still work, but the side effects of the chemo certainly made it harder on some days. Later, in the spring his m-spike (an indicator for his type of cancer in the body) got to 0. Great news! Zero does not mean he doesn't have cancer anymore, just that it is mostly low enough to be undetectable, and that is good news because Robert's numbers had never been this low before, even after the transplant last time. This was Miracle #2.

Then on Easter, many family and friends fasted and prayed for him. We very much feel all your love and know the Lord is helping us! This week, following the holiday, Robert, met with many of the staff at the hospital to prepare him with what he can expect in the way of medicine, sanitation procedures to keep him safe while he has no immune system, dietary restrictions, and a host of other things he can expect with this second transplant. Tomorrow he will go in for a central line, straight to his heart that they will use to give him heavy chemo "Melphalan", thus the name of the blog. Although Robert prefers, "MelphaLAN Party". On April 1st, he will check-in to the hospital for at least 3 weeks. We will keep you updated. Thanks again for all of your support!