Hi everyone. I am new to the forum, but would like to share some wonderful news. My Mom, age 74 was diagnosed w/ RAEB-T in 8/05. At the time of diagnosis, she had 19% blasts in the marrow. We took her to a center of excellence in NYC(we live appx 2 hrs. away), and their BMB revealed 21% blasts. According to the docs, she progressed to AML. She began a Phase I trial of Zarnestra and VP-16. She completed 2 cycles. Unfortunately, not only was the treatment unsuccessful, but the BMB showed 40% blasts, and blood 21% blasts. She then decided to try a clinical trial of Trisenox(arsenic) and ARA-C. This required a hosptial stay of 14 days. The first cycle was a bit rough. She experienced nausea and a rapid heart beat. However, her next BMB showed blasts were down to 10%. She was admitted again for an additional 2 weeks of treatment. The second cycle was much easier. Her latest BMB revealed COMPLETE REMISSION!! WBCs, Platelets, and HGB are all normal. What a blessing!! Truly a Christmas miracle.
She will have outpatient ARA-C every six weeks– (I will be able to give her the injections since I am a nurse) and possibly 1-2 days of outpatient Trisenox at the local hospital.
We don’t know how long the remission will last, perhaps 8-10 months. We know each day is a gift.
I wanted to share this with the members of the forum because we really were given a miracle. There is hope!! My prayers are with all of you for a blessed New Year.
Lynette
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