Well, John had THE appointment. The one at Hershey Medical Center that we have been waiting forever to go to to find out how he is doing.
After getting sufficiently lost we rushed into the Cancer Center and John did some quick paperwork. Then we were called immediately back into an examination room. It wasn't more than five minutes before the specialist walked in. Dr. Claxton specializes in Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplants. He was so fantastic. He was very knowledgeable and asked John many questions. He gave him a thorough examination. He also explained many things to us. He told John that he had Myelodysplasia and that it was bone marrow cancer. Another name for Myelodysplasia is MDS. Anyway, he spent one hour and twenty minutes with us! John said he has never had a doctor spend one hour and twenty minutes with him.
After asking questions and looking over charts and slides, Dr. Claxton got a better idea of what treatment he wanted John to follow. He decided that John would most likely be able to wait a year or two before having a bone marrow transplant (providing he didn't progress too quickly or he wasn't heading towards leukemia immediately). He decided to wait until John's counts got bad before he wanted to do the bone marrow transplant. He said John had low white counts, low red counts, and low platelets, but they weren't super low yet. He decided he wants to see John back in three months, and then every three months after that.
John also had bloodwork done. They drew at least seven vials of blood! The oncologist (Dr. Claxton) ordered some blood drawn to check his blood counts. They also took some vials of blood to type John. The results will be used to find a bone marrow donor for John. Dr. Claxton believes that there is an 80% chance that a donor will be found in those already signed up to be bone marrow donors! John needs to call Hershey back in about six weeks to find out if there are any donors that he matches. That will be about September 14.
So that is the long and short of it. John is glad he doesn't have to get the bone marrow transplant right away.
Thanks to all of you who have been praying and sending emails. And thanks Daddeo and Val for coming to the appointment.
Krissy :)
Posts
So glad you were so well taken care of!!!! And such positive news! Hope your mind will be at ease for a little while now...
ReplyDeleteHave a GREAT weekend!
Linda
I am so happy the Dr was so good with you and things look slightly better than before. 80% chance of a match is brilliant and I will pray he gets one when he needs it........love to you both.......Jules xxxx
ReplyDeletehttp://journals.aol.co.uk/jules19642001/Itsmylife/
thats not such bad news and I can see the positives for you guys " ) Praying for a donor for John and strenth for you too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update, Krissy. Sounds like John (and you) have a fabulous and caring medical team. Continuing my good thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteBest,
Judith
http://journals.aol.com/jtuwliens/MirrorMirrorontheWall
Things are looking better all the time. Will continue to pray for John's health to recover. mark
ReplyDeleteDrl Claxton sounds wonderful Krissy and it sounds like John is in good hands. It is also good that his counts are not too low at the moment and there is such a high chance of a match. So nice to have good news. I am happy for you both.
ReplyDeleteAww, I think that is so sweet and supportive of your Dad and Val to come along to the appointment. I just love your family.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like he has hooked up with a great doctor who is really going to stay on top of this. I am happy he feels as confidant as he does and I know that makes you both feel better too. Sept 14th will be here sooner than you think...keep up the good thoughts!!!! We are and prayers galore!
ReplyDeleteJoyce
So pleased you have found a really good doctor and September 14th is a lucky day - it's the day my daughter was born. Thinking of you both
ReplyDeleteSylvia xx
Hugs to you and John, Krissy
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful doctor and a Great Medical Center.
You and John are always in my prayers.
Kate
Hay how bout those percentage odds? Sounds hopeful. I am so glad! Blessings, Sassy 0;-)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad for John, that he doesn't have to have the transplant right away, and an 80% chance of a donor being found is great news too. Take care honey.
ReplyDelete((((((((((Krissy and John))))))))))
Sara x
Great news! What a relief! It is nice to not have to do the transplant right away; and an 80% chance that a match is readily available is so awesome!!! JAE
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear that things don't have to go as fast as you thought . The powwer of prayer is definately amazing ! Will continue to pray for you both...............Kasey
ReplyDeleteWjat a wonderful sign ...with creative visualization deep prayer and proper diet so may things can turn around in the next three months...Please go to the library and check out Getting Well Again by the Simontons. Implementing the program prescribed has produced miracles...My Best regards and promise of prayer for both of you cmp
ReplyDeleteKrissy, that is SO awesome! I am so glad that you got positive news! Wow, an hour and a half, that is so cool! I hope you two are feeling a bit better, now. I'm sure it was a great weigh lifted. Know that we will continue to pray for the both of you!
ReplyDelete<<HUGS>>
~Miss O
Time you can draw a deep breath.....
ReplyDeleteI am a marrow donor but have never been called.
After my bout with Cancer I wonder if I am a canidate any longer?
There's a thought to look into.
Thinking of you and yours~
Wishing you health, happiness and laughter.
TJ~
http://journals.aol.com/vaultofsecrets/MoonDancer/
So far, so good. Looks like lots of hope out there. September 14 is a special feastday! : )
ReplyDeleteSissy, maybe it is time to do an entry on how to get on the registry?? I want to get on!! Can we figure out how to inform people?? I was soooo happy to help you guys!! Love you, white rosebud!! valy violet xox
ReplyDeleteKrissy,
ReplyDeleteI am so happy that John has time before he has to undergo a transplant. Plenty of time for prayer. Although God does work immediately. Love bunches LuAnne
So glad to hear the appointment went well.
ReplyDeleteCarolyn
http://journals.aol.com/shelt28/MyLife
It is so great to find a doctor who asks questions and spends time with their patients. I am so happy to hear that John has a doctor that cares and doesn't have to have the transplant right away.
ReplyDeleteTerra
Glad to hear the update. Told ya he had good chances with the donor database! Sometimes it's good to be plain vanilla white bread american. ;-)
ReplyDeleteHi~
ReplyDeleteGlad the appointment went well. It's so nice when a doctor takes time with you. I've only ever had a rheumatologist do that for me. I hope things go well and that he will have a bone marrow match when the time comes.
Thanks for visiting my journal, I've added you to my alerts so I'll know when you update.
Hugs,
Susan
Just found your journal, I love Michael! I have a Black Smoke Maine Coon called Katinka, she is an absolute clown and adorable.
ReplyDeleteMy hopes and prayers go to both you and Michael in his illness. God bless you both.
Jeannette.
That is encouraging news!
ReplyDeleteHi Krissy - Miss O sent me. I'm glad to hear you've been receiving good news. My thoughts and best wishes are with you and your family. ~ Lori
ReplyDeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteThanks for visiting my journal. I wanted to let you know that my husband is on the bone marrow registry. I will remember you and John in my prayers.
Jackie
My prayers and thoughts are with you. Cancer is a difficult challenge for far too many people. All my best.
ReplyDeleteTammy
Kristy,
ReplyDeleteI don't know how I missed this entry! I am so happy that things went well and that Dr C really is on the ball! THis is great news for you and John.
Be well,
Dawn
http://journals.aol.com/princesssaurora/CarpeDiem/
Poetry:
Krissy, I signed up to be a bone marrow donor. I they find a match for John when he needs it. Peace and love to both of you. -Jan
ReplyDeletehttp://journals.aol.com/vagabondevermore/IfIruledtheworld
Krissy,
ReplyDeleteI've also signed up to be a bone marrow donar. I'm just happy to hear he isn't as far along as he could be. You are still in my prayers. Take care.
jude
http://journals.aol.com/JMoranCoyle/MyWay
Krissy dear, I will be praying for the best possible treatment for John and for strength, comfort and courage for both of you!
ReplyDeleteloving you
karyl
Thank you for visiting me through CarnivAOL. It's a pleasure dropping by. I hope John gets a bone marrow transplant he needs to feel better. Praying for you and John. I know how it hurts when someone you love is ill...
ReplyDeleteThank you for your comment on my CarvivAOL posting, "Yippee! And All About Medical Imaging." As you noticed, I too have cancer, Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, and went through many of the same treatments and concerns your husband did. I've only been out of chemo for four months, so it's too soon to tell what the future holds for me. But I'm a cockeyed optimist, so I'm not afraid. I hope the outlook is good for your brave husband.
ReplyDeleteAlexa / FantasyGem@AOL.com
Thanks for the link to this update! How wonderful that they think he's got such a great chance of finding the right donor! Wouldn't it be incredible if it were me?! Best wishes! Lisa
ReplyDeletePraying that a donor will be found. He's got a long road ahead of him, but with you by his side, he'll make it.
ReplyDeletefound you through carnivAOL ... i'm sorry to hear about john's mds. i'll keep you guys in my prayers. take care :)
ReplyDelete