Results of bone marrow tests

The visit to the doctor was a good one. My counts are relatively good so I don't need a platelet or blood transfusion today. I also got the results of the bone marrow tests and bone biopsy. The overall results seem to indicate that the cancer is in complete remission (in contrast to the preliminary results obtained last week, which are much harder to interpret). I am still awaiting the results of another test called MRD (Minimal Residual Disease) which is a lot more sensitive. So once my body has recovered from this round of chemo, I will have to be sedated again for more bone marrow tests and bone biopsy (to be sure).

I heard from the doctors that there are a few suitable cord blood donors so more tests will be carried out to select the best one for my "bone marrow transplant". Cord blood is favoured over bone marrow these days as it is easier to find a match and it reduces the risk of graft versus host disease.

I have not regained my appetite since I started chemo #2. I eat only a fraction of my normal intake. I've lost some weight and the nurses all say it shows. I hope to put it back on once I stop this vomitting and ongoing feelings of nausea. In the meantime, Mummy and Daddy are putting on weight cos they finish all my leftovers (which is a lot as they offer me a variety of stuff each time)!

Brigitte, thanks for the box of presents. There were so many goodies in it and I had a fantastic time taking them out of the box one by one. I like flipping the pages of UK gossip magazines you got for Mummy ... there are so many colourful pictures! The books are also really cool. It's a pity I didn't have a chance to see you on your recent trip to Singapore as previously planned. You must come to visit when I am well again.