Return to Stanford

Sometimes it feels like Bill is a ping pong ball bouncing back and forth between doctors and hospitals. Since the last post in July, he has been on an oral chemo-type drug on an out-patient basis at UCSF. Unfortunately this clinical trial has failed to get him into remission, which has been the goal needed to get to bone marrow transplant. His doctor there sent him back to Stanford for a consultation with the transplant doctor, and after meeting with us he reluctantly agreed to move forward even though Billy is not in remission. It is not an ideal situation, but given the fact that a donor is ready to go and nothing has worked so far Billy is determined to take this next step. He has appointments at Stanford this week, UCSF next week and then will enter Stanford for the procedure in October. First will be chemo to clear the bone marrow, followed by stem cells from the donor. He will be in the hospital for about a month and then followed very closely as an out-patient. We are ready for something positive to happen to turn this journey around! Keep up the prayers! In the meantime, Billy has continued to keep in the loop at work, join fellow marathoners on Saturdays at San Jose Fit (walked a mile last week!) and enjoy some time away at the lake. Tonight he is at the Giants game with Robert enjoying a 7-1 win over the Rockies :) To be this active while in the grasp of this disease has astounded his doctors and no doubt helped fortify his determination to beat this. There are so many good things on the horizon for us and our families that we can't wait to get this behind us. Hang in there with us and we'll keep you posted on Bill's progress. Lisa