Monday, March 7, 2011

Tick, Tock

I’ve been sitting here in front of the computer for a while trying to write this post and I just couldn’t decide what tone I wanted to give it. Do I feel ironic? Sarcastic? Do I want to make light of an intense situation by trying to be funny? Or maybe I want to be poignant, and possibly elicit a few tears? I can’t decide. Mostly because the main thing I’m feeling right now is disbelief.
The leukemia is back. There, I said it. I actually toyed with the idea of titling this post Leukemia Loves Us, but then realized that would’ve just been silly, or sad. I guess I haven’t processed this news yet so I’ll stick with a matter of fact tone, how ‘bout that?
The husband had a bone marrow biopsy about a month ago and they told us he had about 2% anomalous cells (cancer cells), so they abruptly took him off the immune suppressants to stimulate his bone marrow into action so his immune system could take care of these cells (apparently this is what a healthy immune system does). And that’s where we were when I left for Brazil. They redid the biopsy about a week ago and he now has about 10% anomalous cells. So basically not only is his brand spanking new immune system not doing a damn thing about these cells, they are actually so comfortable and at home in his body that they are happily reproducing. Just reproducing away, left, right and center. Lucky cells! (and that went from trying to be funny to sarcastic real fast!)
So now we have to make some decisions real fast, like the clock is running fast, like hurry up and decide already fast. We’ve got a couple of treatment options, both of them involving a transplant, just different types of transplants and we’ve got to get everything done in about a month. So basically, no pressure at all. We realized he’ll be having the second transplant at almost exactly a year from the first transplant. This has nothing to do with anything, we just thought it ironic.
That’s it for today, just some news. I can confidently predict some pretty pissed off posts in the near future though, just as soon as the implications hit. So stay tuned! Or, more logically, run for the hills as fast you can, that’s what I’d do!

19 comments:

  1. Oh, I'm so sorry. I have no real words, but that just sucks. I hope everything goes well and you're able to make the decision that's right for you soon.

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  2. Thanks Jessica Anne, we'll work it out somehow.

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  3. YOu will make the right one! I am confident. We will make it!

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  4. yes it is me.. the girl (ehm woman...) from abbiategrasso...the one who you nicely invited at the battesimo of your little one!

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  5. and I completely understand the way you feel now.

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  6. Oh dear, this is such devastating news....again.
    I can't even begin to imagine all that is going through your mind right now.
    Hopefully you'll be able to use this blog to vent...alot.
    We are all thinking of you and Ale and the kids, over here, Texas-side.
    Stay strong...rant on...
    Alcira

    nerochronicles.com

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  7. Shock. Total shock. I'm already on the phone, calling you. What can I say? Write your heart out if it helps and remember all the people out here rooting for you guys.

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  8. I nostri cuori sono con voi, cercando di farli battere all'unisono per darvi quanta più forza possiamo! Con affetto Barbara, Stefano, Niccolò e Paoo

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  9. Hi Francesca, thanks for visiting! It's hard to know what the right decision is, but we're definitely trying to make the best one.

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  10. Alcira, thank goodness for blogging as an outlet!

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  11. Nuts, thanks we definitely need the rooting right now!

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  12. Barbara, grazie! un bacio a tutti e 4

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  13. sono con voi! A disposizione per QUALSIASI cosa!!!!

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  14. un forte abbraccio di Luce!

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  15. Praying for you. Sending you positive and regenerating energy. hugs, amy

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  16. I'm so sorry. Cancer totally sucks! I really do not know how you are managing with 2 little ones, but as you said, it is what it is... And sometimes all you can do is enjoy every moment and just keep on trucking. Your family is in our hearts and prayers. let me know if I can help you. (ie, if you decide to get tx at MD Anderson... You are welcome here :). Take care and we love you, Chloe king

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  17. un forte abbraccio di Luce!

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  18. Oh, I'm so sorry. I have no real words, but that just sucks. I hope everything goes well and you're able to make the decision that's right for you soon.

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  19. I nostri cuori sono con voi, cercando di farli battere all'unisono per darvi quanta più forza possiamo! Con affetto Barbara, Stefano, Niccolò e Paoo

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