Along with all the excitment and messages of support, there have been quite a few questions since we posted about the results of Kristin's most recent bone marrow biopsy. Before I attempt to answers everyone's questions, I'd like to thank everyone who has messaged me directly and remind everyone else (including her family members) to please refer all questions to me. We are asking that you not message Kristin anything that ends in a question mark. If you don't have my phone number, you can contact me on FB or via this page. Do not hesitate to contact me with any and all questions you have. I know that there are a bunch of people out there who care about Kristin as much as I do, and I consider it not only my responsibility but my honor to keep everyone up to date.

The big question being asked since Kristin received the very positive news that there were no lukemia blast cells in her bone marrow has been; Does this mean she is in remission? In short, the answer is no. The lack of lukemia blast cells in her bone marrow, at this point, is only a indication that the chemotherapy was effective, and more importantly, that she doesn't have to jump right back into another round of chemo.

Another popular line of questions has revolved around what needs to happen before Kristin can come home. Krsitin is still receiving treatment for the FLT3 mutation. This will contine until the middle of next week. After that, it will take her body some time to recover. Approximatly a week after she finishes her treatment, her bone marrow should start to produce cells on it own, and her blood counts will start increasing. Specifically, they will be watching her ANC or Absolute Neutrophil Count. Once her counts return to normal, and she has been removed from all the support medications, she will be ready for release.

The next obvious question is; How will they determine if she is in remission? After her counts return to normal, but prior to her release, Kristin will undergo a 3rd bone marrow biopsy. Each of these procedures has provided vital information, and her 3rd will be the most crucial. The 1st biopsy was used to verify her diagnosis, it showed that approximatly 13% of the cells in her marrow were mutated lukemia cells. The 2nd test, which was completed last week, showed that all of those mutated cells had been eliminated. As her bone marrow recovers from the chemo and begins to produce new cells, they will need to preform a 3rd bone marrow biopsy, approximatly two weeks after the last one, to determine if any of the new cells being created are those pesky mutated lukemia blast cells. The lack of lukemia blast cells in this biopsy will be a strong indication that she is in remission. A poor result would likely result in a extended hospital stay, additional treatment, and possibly movement down the path towards a stem cell transplant.

There have also been tons of questions about the quantity and frequency of the blood transfusions that Kristin has been receiving. Thus far she has received 8 units of platlets and 16 units of blood. While this may seem like alot of blood products, it is important to remember that AML is a cancer of the blood or more specifically where the blood is made. Initially, the transfusions were necessary because her bone marrow was producing mutated and ineffective blood cells. The course of chemotherapy that she underwent was directed specifically at the source of the mutated cells, her bone marrow. Chemotherapy is not a discerning treatment, meaning that it attacks both the mutated cells and the healthy ones. So at this point, it is due to the chemo, not the lukemia, that she continues to need blood products. This will continue until her bone marrow has a chance to recover and resume cell production. So for the next couple weeks, she will continue to receive platlets and blood regularly as indicated by her daily lab results.

The last question is one that we can't fully answer right now. Absolutly everyone, including us, wants to know what is next for Kristin. Right now we know very little about what Kristin's "Consolidation Plan" will look like. About the only thing set in stone at this point, is that she will continue the treatment for her FLT3 mutation during her first 2 weeks after release as well as periodic booster treatments to keep it under control. Some form of outpatient treatment is a certainty. A stem cell transplant is a possibility, but we are quite a few steps from that path. Additional rounds chemotherapy are also a real possibility, but at this point we are focussed on what is right in front of us.

Finally, I just want to say how touched I have been to here from everyone. It warms my heart to know how many people are out there wishing Kristin the best. As her husband, my goal has been to make sure she never feels like she's alone. All of your support makes that job much easier. Thank you so much!