Tuesday, August 28, 2007

Very Good News

Some more good news came yesterday when we got the preliminary results of Parker's three month bone marrow aspiration. Yesterday morning we decided to take a trip to the hospital so they could take a look at a rash on Parker stomach and chest. To be honest, the rash was not something we were worried about and by the time we got to the hospital it had already dissipated. Our main intention was to try and obtain some results of the aspiration.

When one of the doctors had finished looking at Parker we asked if there were any results to the bone marrow aspiration and she responded with yes. That she would let our main doctor give us the “very good speech”. Normally, we have difficulty getting positive information from other doctors so the fact that she had said this made us feel extremely confident about the results.

We arrived at the hospital that afternoon at quarter to four, fifteen minutes early for our meeting. It did not surprise us that it was not until five that the meeting began but to be honest we did not mind so much this time.

Only the first portion of the results were available, those being the ones letting us know the percentage of the different gene corrected cells in both the peripheral blood and the bone marrow. Recall, the last month the peripheral blood showed that there were pretty much no gene corrected cells in the peripheral blood. This month's results were much more positive. Parker is currently no longer the worst patient they have had in the study and is pretty much where they want him to be at this point based on the number of cells that engrafted.

We are still waiting to see if Parker is removing the metabolites on his own. In theory, the results we received yesterday would indicate that he is capable of doing so, but we will know until the test results show this in the next few days.

Tomorrow, Parker will give blood to check his peripheral blood to see if the antibodies that were destroying neutrophils are know under control in addition to the blood tests he normally has performed on his blood. We should also have the rest of the results of the bone marrow aspiration tomorrow.

It is nice to think that we can start to think about coming back to Canada soon. My parents wanted us back for the anniversary in late September and to be honest, I think it is a definite possibility.

Check back in a couple of days to find out how tomorrow went. Also, I know that we are not out of the woods yet but I wanted to thank everyone who has supported us during these times. All of your thoughts and prayers have helped Parker and us tremendously.

8 comments:

Nana said...

Parker, Tracy and Kevin:

What fantastic news!! Everything we have prayed for is finally coming to fruition. We all have to continue being positive and have faith like we have never had before. Everything will turn out right - there is a reason for everything, although we may not know and understand what that is
right now, I am sure the future holds all the answers to our many questions.

As one of your video songs says "you better be home soon".

We love you all three with all our hearts and might.

Nana and Gaga
xoxoxoxo

Kari said...

Parker that is the most wonderful news! It is what we have been waiting for and have all always believed it would come. We are keeping our fingers crossed for you today for even more good news.

Lots of love & good wishes foor today,

Love Auntie Kari
xoxo

PS - As I have always told your Mommy - there is a reason for everything!

funnyface said...

Parker,

This is the best news we could ever hear!!!!
We are keeping our fingers crossed for more good news and can not wait for the post titled "We are coming home".

We love you guys lots and can not wait until you return home!!!

lots of love and hugs
Laura, Craig and Elizabeth

Nonno and Nonna said...

Hey Parker,

Tell Mommy that Nonna and Nonno will be waiting with steeped tea with 2 milks and one sugar , as soon as your Mommy comes walking down that ramp.
We will continue praying for good news and more positive blood work.
Stay strong big Guy.

love you tons
miss you even more

Nonno & Nonna

Auntie Christini said...

Dear Parky,
Sooooo happy to hear the great news.I know your road has been so long, but we were ecstatic to hear it took. We cannot wait to see you in September. We are praying that this is when you'll be coming home to us!
Love you sooo much!
Auntie Christini, Uncle Mikey and Jacob xo

Auntie Natalie said...

Parker Pants!

Can you hear me sceaming YIPPEE...YAHOO...WHAT FABULOUS NEWS!

I am so happy to hear that you are getting better every single day. Your family and friends in Canada love you sooooo very very much and we cannot wait until you are back here with us.

And tell your Mommy that I CANNOT wait until she is very close by again...we have so much time to catch up on...chatting, laughing, telling each other everything, marveling at how marvelous you are...and doing all of that in person!

And tell your Daddy that we all miss him so much...I think that Uncle David would love to play a game of ping-pong with him to celebrate his much awaited return!

Parker Poo...you are loved beyond words and this news is making everyone so happy and relieved. We are counting the days!

Oodles and Oodles of Love,
Auntie Natalie xoxoxoxox

Franni said...

HURRAY PARKER!!!
We were so excited to hear the wonderful news!! It didn't surprise us, but we were ecstatic!!! YAYAYAYAYAY!!!!!!
I hope this does mean that you will be home at the end of September, can you believe it!?!?!? AMAZING!!!!
Can't wait to hear more fantastic news!!
We can't wait to see you soon!!!!!!
Love Auntie Franni, Uncle Pete, Patrick, Jonathan and William

Kyle said...

Way to go Parker! Outstanding news from Italy and a great way to end my work day! Tomorrow will bring more great news! Continue to hang in there Parker and please give our regards to your fantastic parents. We miss you all and can't wait for you to come back to Canada...where home will always be!! Love ya!

Kyle & Josephine