Disappointments today...

Today was another appointment with Dr. M. Tyler's blood counts had climbed up slightly after last week's drop, but Dr. M told us that the results of the latest BCR-Abl test indicate that Tyler's disease is kind of at an impasse. While in a partial remission, his CML is neither progressing or retreating and that is not good enough.

Our options at this point are to try Tasigna (the next generation of drug) or get a transplant. So... He's referring us to a doctor at Fred Hutchinson to get an initial consultation on whether or not Tyler should get a transplant. It's a huge disappointment to be back at this point, but perhaps this option will work in ways the drugs have not.

Tyler's brother, Gump, is the first option for a bone marrow or stem cell transplant match. Unfortunately, there is only a 25% chance that Gump will match up with Tyler (can you remember genetics lessons from school??) so we may need to go to the Bone Marrow Registry to find a matched unrelated donor (mud) for Tyler. That means you can help!

If you live in the Puget Sound area, please consider signing up for the National Bone Marrow Registry through the Puget Sound Blood Center. Donors joining the NMDP Registry must be between 18-60 years old and in good health, and must meet the NMDP Donor Eligibility Guidelines. For questions about donor suitability, contact the Puget Sound Blood Center at bonemarrow@psbc.org or 206-292-1897 or 1-800-DONATE1 x1897. Typing is as simple as getting a cheek swab that they can run through some tests.

If you live elsewhere, you can sign up anywhere across our nation. Please contact the National Marrow Donor Program at http://www.marrow.org to get more details about programs in your area.

Donors who are not suitable to join the national Registry can help patients in other ways such as making a financial contribution to tissue type other donors. It typically costs between $25-52 to get registered, but you have the opportunity to save someone's life (even if you don't match up with Tyler)! What a gift you can give to someone like Tyler and me!

Thanks for your willingness to help, your prayers, and your friendship!