The best we can hope for at this point.

[mellymell]

I just got an update from my stepmom. All her results came back and there are no tumors. I'm assuming this means she is, in fact, in a dormant phase and they're just in "keeping an eye on it" mode right now. She'll go back in June for more blood work and another bone marrow biopsy.

Thanks for all the good thoughts, prayers, vibes and well wishes! I keep meaning to go back and answer all of the comments from the last post, but writing the post itself put me in an instant depression and it took a few days to recover. So, I'm trying to think about this in small doses.

I will say one thing about this situation, now. Alicia went to a doctor originally because of nausea and general gastro-intestinal discomfort. When they didn't find any of the typical ailments, they turned to running some blood tests. They found that she had cancerous cells in her blood and apparently blood cells were cloning themselves. My point is, if you're feeling under the weather and you're just not sure what might be causing it, go to the doctor. You never know what simple stomach upset might mean.

Comments

[branflake.livejournal.com]

Hum.... I want something supportive and wonderful to say here. But all I can think to say is that this whole situation breaks my heart! I'm always here to talk to, even if I can't think of anything to say back.

[mellymell.livejournal.com]

Thanks, dear. Those were the exact words I used to Jason when we exchanged messages about it: breaks my heart. I would talk, but I don't have anything to say either.

[lordofhaladin.livejournal.com]

wow, somehow i missed this?

I'm glad shes okay. *hugs*

[mellymell.livejournal.com]

Was at the bottom of a lengthy friends locked entry a couple of weeks ago. Easy to miss amidst prattling on about gardening and Easter.

But, she's not okay. She's just alright for now. She does in fact have bone marrow cancer and she will eventually die from it or from complications from it, at least. But since it is not in an active phase (yet), her life sentence has been lengthened for now. People can live in this dormant stage for as long as 10-15 years, from what I understand. But once it hits an active phase, the absolute best we can hope for is about 5 years and that's if she responds well to all the treatments. As mentioned in my original post about it, Ann Landers died within 6 months of her diagnosis. So there's the other end of it. All we can do is be supportive and positive and hope for the best, really.

Thanks for the hugs. :)

[lordofhaladin.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry, what I meant was that I was glad she was okay for now, I hit "post" too soon. *hugs*

she has all my good vibes as do all her family, including ya'll.

*hugs*

[mellymell.livejournal.com]

Thanks, dear. I appreciate it! *hugs*

[padawansguide.livejournal.com]

Wow - I guess I missed this too. Sorry. :-( I'm so sorry about her health. I hope she'll stay healthy for as long as possible. :-( *hugs*

[padawansguide.livejournal.com]

It's super scary to think that something small might end up being cancer. :-( Hope she'll be ok! Or as ok as possible for as long as possible.

[mellymell.livejournal.com]

Thanks, Maggie! She said something really endearing and uplifting on Easter while we were discussing it. She "hope[s] to be living with cancer, not dying with cancer." Despite the looming fear that her years are numbered, I have faith they will be happy and full years, indeed.

[padawansguide.livejournal.com]

I hope so too. Her attitude is really admirable.

[amaz0n-princess.livejournal.com]

Thanks for the update. I hope things continue to stabilize. *hugs again*

[oropher-777.livejournal.com]

That is actually quite good news, for now. I understand not being able to be completely thrilled about it, as it's just been "stayed" and not "commuted." I'll continue to send good thoughts and prayers that things go well for her and the rest of your family.

[belluthien.livejournal.com]

Now, this is what I talk about when I say I missed things by having gone absent. I missed that last post.
Glad to hear your SM is in a dormant phase. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...
I understand not wanting to go back and comment to comments...
I can see an armor face as being something of a double edged nature. I hope it gives you strength where strength is needed.
y

[baka-san.livejournal.com]

well, i'm glad to hear that it's dormant, at least.

is there anything that can be done for her at this stage? i hope it's not a "watch and wait" sort of thing, but i know that's how it goes sometimes.

[mellymell.livejournal.com]

Thanks!

Unfortunately, it's pretty much exactly a "watch an wait" situation. I think at this point the only thing they can do is keep an eye on it and start treating as soon as they see activity. They may be giving her medications or treatments for the symptoms of this phase. But I'm under the impression (don't know for sure) that things like radiation and chemo are reserved for when it progresses to an active phase.