Hello Plan B........

Just when you think you have it all figured out life throws you a curveball. We showed up at Stanford's ITA (Infusion Treatment Area) on Tuesday to receive Billy's first Out-patient dose of re-induction chemo only to be informed by his hematology-oncologist that his bloodwork had not reached the parameters necessary to qualify for OP treatment. They wanted to admit him right then to begin In-patient treatment, but we were in such shock they allowed us to return home for a last evening before enduring another 4-6 weeks back in the hospital. We received a call that a room was ready around 5pm yesterday so packed up and headed back over the hill. Finally settled in around midnight and were greeted this morning by many of the same nurses he had before. His favorite, Maureen O'Hare, who has been an oncology nurse at Stanford for 34 years came in and you'd thought two best friends were re-uniting! Although not happy that Billy's condition had relapsed and required re-induction, all were genuinely caring and very supportive that this is not atypical and is the best thing for him. And Bill and I completely agree. He had been getting more and more tired at home and has persistent headaches. After less than 24 hours of IV hydration he already looks much better and had a neuro-oncology consult re: the headaches. Thankfully nothing to worry about - more than likely the result of the 3 lumbar puntures he has had and should dissipate. Tonight he is receiving his first round of IP chemo; this time around it is a conventional chemo regimen (not a clinical research trial), plus an added pill that specifically targets a "receptor" called Flip-3 that is on Billy's cancer cells. Kind of like a heat-seeking missile. He has 4 days of IV chemo along with 7 days of this pill. Then we wait one week and on day 13 he has a bone marrow biopsy to see if he is clear of white blood cells. Then the usual waiting game to see if his body generates new healthy cells. Remission is the goal; then he can get a bone marrow transplant. He is still in the early stages of this marathon and it is a couple steps forward then a few back, but never halting. At the finish line there is a new journey awaiting us......Billy proposed during his time at home and so now there's a wedding to plan! But first things first - getting him healthy is the focus for now. Bills new room number is F072. Same address for cards, just different room. Similar to last time around, no flowers allowed and only healthy visitors please :) Lisa