Day Three...Lab Results in!!

Today was a good day!! We got good news, Hannah has the good kind of leukemia (if there is such a thing)  I am now going to get a little medical on you.  She has APL.  Basically the type of leukemia she has causes two chromosomes to mutate and then the cells attack her platelets.  A few years ago this was considered a "bad" leukemia, but now it is VERY curable.

She has actually started treatment today!  With all leukemia Chemo is the main type of treatment, however in Hannah's case she will actually have less Chemo and more of another drug that will actually work directly on the white blood cells making them mature faster so that the two chromosomes do not have the opportunity to mutate.

Hannah has also been placed in a clinical study (more of God's guiding hand) which means more people will be monitoring her progress.

The treatment schedule is rather rigorous.  She will be in the hospital for the next 30 days.  She will then be home for 90 days, continuing her treatment.  Back in the hospital for 30 days beginning in month four, then continuing treatment at home in months 5 and 6.  When we get the clean bill of health after 6 months she will be on a monthly maintenance program with clinic visits. 

Once we started treatment it was as if all of us had a weight lifted, we could now get after it.  Hannah started to be her old self.  In fact, when a friend of hers sat on one of the many tubes on the bed, and a beeper when off, the friend said "what was that?"  Hannah's response.. "I am flat lining"

Speaking of friends, we are going to limit non adult visitors to 2 at a time, and please text Sharon before you come.  We have learned over the last few days that too much "energy" in the room wears Hannah out.  

Your support is incredible, thank you so much.