Bone Marrow Biopsy

It is hard to explain how much we are enjoying having Jim home and being back to a normal family life – at least for now. Jim had a good weekend. We went to Indianapolis on Saturday and watched Homestead take fourth place, securing their spot in the top five bands in the state. Sunday, Jim attended church with us. It was very encouraging for him to see our friends and thank those who have been praying for us.

Yesterday, the bone marrow biopsy was done. Jim was understandably nervous about the procedure and has been feeling uneasy about what the outcome of the test might be. We will find out the results later this week. If there are little or no leukemic cells found, he will be declared in "Eary Remission" and will begin Phase II, or the Consolidation Phase, as an in-patient at Lutheran on Monday November 10. This phase is to "seal the deal" and kill any remaining or hidden leukemia cells he might have. His hospitalization should only be about a week. He will have to repeat the schedule of one week of chemotherapy and two weeks off two more times for this phase for a total of nine weeks. If the results of the bone marrow biopsy show too many leukemic cells, Jim will still go in on Monday but repeat Phase I which is called Reinduction. This would require a much longer hospital stay.

Please pray for Jim that he would feel a peace this week that passes all understanding as we wait for this test result. Pray that the results of the bone marrow biopsy would be good, and that he would be able to take the next step in this process. Please pray that he would be completely healed of this disease. Your love, support and prayers continue to help carry us through.