Our Consultation in Ann Arbor

Yesterday we made the trip to the University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center for an initial consultation. We were both a little nervous about this appointment but also anxious to meet the doctor and his team and get started. I had been praying that God would give us His peace and show us His hand in a mighty way. Jim’s brother, Dan, and his mother-in-law, Linda, (whom I will be staying with during Jim’s hospital stay) joined us for the appointment. Our dear friend, Pat, drove us up to Ann Arbor and back.

After checking in and getting Jim’s height, weight and vitals, we met Dr. Shin Mineishi. It did not take long for us to realize that we were in the presence of an expert in the field of blood and marrow transplantation. Dr. Mineishi is a researcher and principal investigator. He explained to us that he developed the protocol for a clinical study that had just closed at the University of Michigan. He was pleased to report to us that the results of that study show an increased percentage of long-term survival over the traditional method of stem cell transplantation when a patient is not in remission. This was good news to hear. The low percentage that the doctor at IU had given us is no longer the case under this protocol. The percentage of long-term survival is near the same percentage as transplantation in a patient with AML who is in remission. This protocol is being studied at U of M and in Houston, Texas. He explained that because they had received a call from our doctor at IU Medical Center and they knew we were coming, he submitted a request to see if the clinical study could be opened to accept Jim as the 46th patient in that study. That request was turned down. He then explained that he was seeking permission to treat Jim with the same protocol as the clinical study however Jim would not be a participant in that study. He was confident that permission would be granted to do that. The plan is to move forward assuming that permission will be granted.

They reviewed the procedure for transplantation and the possible complications that could arise. Jim would be in the hospital for 3 to 4 weeks and then would be required to stay in the Ann Arbor area for 100 days following discharge for follow-up care. Since Dan was also at this appointment, they began some of the testing that is required for the donor.

Jim will be able to go to transplant in about 2 to 3 weeks. During that time, two things need to be accomplished. The central nervous system needs to be cleared of leukemia. Jim will continue chemo treatments which will be given through the Ommaya reservoir in his head twice a week. Preliminary testing such as MUGA, lung function test, etc. will be done here in Fort Wayne. The doctors will keep a close eye on his peripheral blood and the number of blasts that are present in the blood. If the disease becomes more active, they will move to transplant more quickly.

As we drove home and digested all the information we had been given, we were awed again by how God is in control. We reminded ourselves that none of this is a surprise to Him and are comforted to know that only He is in full control of our situation – not the doctor at IU or even the doctor at U of M. Jim and I both have a renewed sense of hope. I could see as the day went on that Jim was more hopeful and eager to get started. At dinner on the way home, I saw a more relaxed Jim who was even able to laugh.

Here’s how you can pray:

* Pray that the chemotherapy would be effective and that Jim’s central nervous system would quickly clear of all leukemia.
* Pray for strength for Jim and that he would be protected from any germs or illness.
* Pray that Jim would continue to have a good appetite.
* Pray that we could get the required testing accomplished and the way would be smooth to move toward transplant.
* Pray that we would find child care for our children as Jim and I will be in Ann Arbor and for help in care giving for Jim while he is in Ann Arbor after discharge.
* Pray for complete healing of this disease.

Thank you once again for all your support – both in prayer and practical ways – as we continue this journey.