Great Progress - Day +119

We had a great visit at the clinic today. Alex's results from his bone marrow aspiration and blood draws all show no evidence of leukemic cells, and over 98% donor cells!!!

This is tremendous - it is fantastic! Alex has made it past 100 days without having to be hospitalized. He has made it past day 100 without needing an antibody transfusion. Both of those things are almost a given with transplant patients.

Alex is strong. His energy level is great. He is eating normally. Now, if I can only get him to drink more (ugh).

The doctors are very happy with his progress, and are even talking about taking out his Hickman line in a few weeks! The benefits of having it (easy blood draws and iv hookup), are reducing compared to the risk of leaving it in (point of possible infection). Alex was such a trooper about getting poked in the arm for blood draws after he completed his lymphoma treatment. I know he would do just fine this time too. Plus, the phlebotomists at Doerenbecher are amazing and so quick; they make things as painless as possible.

The doctors are continuing to reduce his Tacrolimus level (the anti-rejection medication), and consequently, we are able to start reducing the number of magnesium horse pills taken each day as well! His Septra (preventative for a specific pneumonia strain) will continue on the weekends until 3 months after we stop the Tacrolimus. The Acyclovir (preventative anti-viral) will continue until one year post tarnasplant.

If Alex tolerates this reduction in his Tacrolimus level and continues on the path he is on right now, he may be able to go back to school in March! He has been doing really well with his tutor here at the house. While I know the transition back to the classroom will be emotionally difficult (shyness); his academic skills will place him on track with his peers.

His hair is really growing back quickly, and any puffiness left from treatment is gone. He continues to grow taller by the minute, and I am just stunned that we will be celebrating his seventh birthday in April.

I know Alex is going to make a full recovery, and with few long term side effects. He is an amazing Warrior, and I am so proud of him!