hi Lori

it still amazes me how parallel we are running with your son and my husband. we just went through the same issue when his donor fell through and his doctor wanted him to have a round of consolidation treatment and then the transplant . he just finished his consolidation right before Christmas and is now scheduled for the conditioning treatment to start on the 16th and then receive the cells on the 23rd of this month. I am sure Keir's doctors are confident he will be ok with his heart with the consolidation or they wouldn't recommend it. my husband's Dr said that having the consolidation right before the transplant is actually a very good thing to do since they are the experts I guess we just have to trust their judgment. your son is young and I'm sure he will do very well through the consolidation and treatment sending good thoughts and prayers your way.

hang in there we are both getting close!

Colleen

Yes, its the best, he is better off to have the consolidation than not and relapse. Its risky but the better choice.

I still have to wonder if there are any other clinical trials that are not as toxic as chemo? AC220 (now in the final stages of approval) was my bridge and I know we all have slightly different subtypes, but there has to be some consensus amongst the experts. Is there any chatter of other clinical trials?
Andrea

Hi again Lori. Glad to see a plan is in place. As for the heart issue, I had a similar problem as you know. I saw a cardiologist who I know spoke with my hem/onc about his concerns re the heart. I am under the impression that there are different chemos or at least different dosages that could be used if heart damage is a concern.

I would be shocked if the hem/onc has not consulted with the cardiologist before setting out the plan for consolidation chemo. But if I were you I would confirm that consultation has taken place before chemo begins. I've heard of too many cases of poor documentation of files, poor communication between specialists and just plain sloppy medical practice. As Ronald Reagan used to say, "trust but verify". Good luck to you both.

I'll be speaking with the transplant nurse coordinator on Tuesday and will verify that the heart issue is addressed. Keir has been on Coreg and Lisinopril since Dec. 5 now and I believe that is expected to offer protection, and that Ari C is not generally considered cardio toxic. But I will definitely ask.

Lori,
Congratulations on finding a new donor, that is awesome! From what I remember the Ara C is not cardiotoxic, that would be one of the 'rubicin sisters and Keir will not be getting that again. So sorry there has been such a delay but thank God there is a new donor and a plan in place and the consolidation will keep the Leukemia at bay. Praying all goes well during consolidation then on to Transplant, Yes!!!
Take Care,
Suzanne

Glad he has a new donor and date!

Ara c mine worried more about neuro tox vs cardio.

Lori,

The goal posts are in sight and the road to recovery is being paved.
Keir will march on like the soldier and warrior he is.

Praying for you and new team transplant 2014.

Planxty