NOW WE KNOW....

what the diagnosis is.... Mr. T has been diagnosed with 'Mylodysplastic Syndrome'. In plain english it means 'sick bone marrow'. October 2nd was a very long day. First there was blood work....then Mr. T. had his bone marrow aspiration. They tried to give him a lumbar puncture but he had problems breathing so the anesthesiologist had the doctor stop. The results of the bone marrow aspiration was the same as previous weeks results. They can see cancer cells but they haven't moved much....they go from 3% to 6% and back down again...which tells them that he has a sick bone marrow. The Oncology team told us that the only way to correct this is to have a bone marrow transplant....so that is the plan. They have sent all the results to a crytogenetics lab...and regardless of the lab results...they will go ahead with a bone marrow transplant. We await the results...as this will tell the Team what program to follow....In 2 to 3 weeks they will call us in for a meeting....and start the plan in action.

We know that we will stay at the hospital and they will try to get rid of the cancer cells...then we will be transferred to Toronto Sick Kids for the bone marrow transplant. They told us to expect to be away from home for several months...2 to 3 months depending on his health.

Late in the day he had 2 more cups of blood removed.....they are still trying to remove iron from his liver....which made him sick and dizzy but thankfully....Mr. T's appetite is quite good!

Mr. T is anxious to get the show on the road. He wants the bone marrow transplant. He is tired of appointments, missing school, blood work, bone marrow tests and just wants to be a normal kid.

I don't blame him at all....he knows that his bone marrow is not normal.....and he believes with a new bone marrow he can lead a normal life.....a life without cancer, needles and chemo.

I'm glad that Mr. T and I get to spend 2 or 3 more weeks at home..to prepare ourselves mentally and emotionally for the ordeal ahead.

Thank you for all the prayers and good wishes you have sent our way. We are so happy to have the support and encouragement from all the wonderful bloggers that will be with us on our journey to good health. Together we can make it happen!