Really good news

We’ve had really good news regarding Anna’s 28 day bone marrow sample. At the beginning of the block, a bone marrow sample contained massive amounts of leukaemia cells. In a bone marrow sample taken on day 28, none were visible when viewed down a microscope. This is as good a result as we can get at this stage! The bone marrow sample will be analysed in greater detail in the lab to identify if there are any non-visible cells remaining but certainly we are delighted. We are told by the doctors and consultant that this 28 day sample is considered to be a very effective indicator of progress. We are so pleased!

Anna’s first block of treatment has come to an end. Children can be put on regimen A or B (I think that there are only the 2 regimens but not sure) depending on how they first present. She is on an adapted version of regimen A. It is adapted as one of the chemotherapy drugs can cause weakness in the leg and arm muscles. In Anna’s case because she already has an underlying weakness due to her SMA, the worst case side effect could be permanent paralysis – so everyone agreed she should have an alternative! During this 5 week block she has had daily steroids and weekly chemotherapy. It seems to be the most intensive and aggressive part of the 2 year treatment. For the next block we will (hopefully) be back home with weekly trips in to RHSC for Anna to have chemotherapy under a general anaesthetic. It will be inserted into the fluid around her spine and brain as a preventative measure. She will have other medicines to be given at home. Poor, poor Anna. She is being such a good girl but really is very weak at the moment. However, the shingles seems to be responding well to the anti-virals and we are hoping to get home sometime next week. Although she has isolation nursing, Peter, Nathan and I can come and go. Nathan continues to be a wonderful big brother, giving Anna hugs and kisses.

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