Friday, February 22, 2008

Why The Delay?

Not that we were anxious to give Katie more drugs and make her feel bad again, but we were really curious about the results of the MRD test and we wanted to know what the hold up was. Well, we found out.

Early on I think I wrote that we had chosen to take part on a study where Katie would get a chemotherapy regiment that was being tested for its effectiveness. The doctors promised us that the tests were very controlled and very safe and that her health and progress would be monitored very closely to make sure that the leukemia was killed off as quickly and completely as possible with as few long-lasting side effects as possible. That part sounded good, but so did the next part.

Because the study is nationwide, and lots of doctors and scientists are trying to find better cures for leukemia, many people would be looking at Katie's test results and sending their data back to Fletcher Allen. Essentially we would be getting a free second, third or even fourth opinion on her test results at times.

Well, it paid off because that is what is holding us up right now. Two research centers currently disagree about Katie's last test results and those results determine her next round of chemotherapy. So her marrow is being tested and retested to make sure that she gets the best treatment possible, using the most accurate information available. I am very happy to be participating in the study.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

I love the pictures. I cant wait to see that little face. Josh also. See ya later. Love Aunt Michelle