A setback for Sameer
Dear Friends of Sameer and Reena,
We have had a setback in the last few days. On Friday night, we had a call from the clinic. The doctor said that they had observed blast cells in the blood test which is indicative of a relapse. They did a bone marrow biopsy on Monday (Dec. 17) and gave us the results yesterday. The AML has relapsed. We are trying to understand the full implications and options but do know that a relapse makes it more dangerous.
The transplant team does a conference each Wednesday and reviews the current cases. They discussed Sameer’s case on Dec. 19. They are looking into the possibility of obtaining one of the newer chemo drugs promising for Sameer’s type of leukemia, under a compassion use category (relapse cases are not included in the current trials). The most likely scenario is a new round of chemo leading to remission and followed by another transplant from the same donor (Donor Lymphocyte Infusion - DLI). During DLI they will not use immuno suppressants but will use the donor T cells. These two aspects will be different than the first transplant. Their target is to start the chemo on Saturday (Dec. 22).
Obviously this has come as a shock to us specially since Sameer was doing so well. In early December, Sameer had an infection with a high fever which they were able to control quickly with antibiotics. Since then his energy level has been lower and he has been feeling tired. We were thinking it was related to the infection but it looks like the AML relapse might have started around that time.
This is really hard on all of us. Reena is away in India taking care of things in Bombay and will be back on the 23rd. I have been sick since I returned from India. I picked up a bad infection on the flight back to the US from which I have not yet recovered. I am not able to hug Sameer or go to the clinic with him. Prashant has been accompanying Sameer to the clinic and the hospital. We are thankful that Prashant is in town and not away on a business trip.
We all need to continue our prayers for Sameer. I will keep you informed as we find out more. Thank you for your support and prayers.
Kumar
December 21st, 2007 at 6:36 pm
A3M and Team Vinay are all here for you Sameer and Reena,
God bless,
Amitha
December 21st, 2007 at 8:21 pm
You will be in our thoughts and prayers. Please keep us updated when you have time.
Saily and Rajiv
December 22nd, 2007 at 9:51 pm
hey Sameer,
I am so sorry to hear about this setback, but I have faith that you will pull through this next round again! Stay strong and positive, and know that there are loads of people out here thinking about you and hoping you get better–people you don’t even know, like me!
Much love from Team Vinay,
Akhila
December 22nd, 2007 at 10:15 pm
Thank you for all the consistent updates and for sharing such a private part of your lives. Please hang in there and believe. With everyone praying for you all, positive energy will flow out of it! Sameer and Reena– Don’t forget the “I’m Possible”.
I’ve found that hugs have therapeutic healing powers!
Kumarji– I don’t know you or Sameer or Reena, but if I find myself in Seattle I will come over and give you a hug!!
pallavi..
December 23rd, 2007 at 10:26 am
Hello Sameer,
Long time reader but first time responder…
I know all about U from Team Vinay…
Even last week we talked about U when I met Rashmi & Kristeen and a bunch of ‘Team Vinay’ people…
Sorry to hear of this stepping stone (lets not call it a setback)
We are all there for you & Reena and this team will work hard to help U physically & emotionally…
Love your web site and the positive energy it gives.
Wish U and Reena and family a peaceful and bright 2008
U are in our prayers and in our hearts always.
Love,
Krish, Lakshmy, Priya & Sneha
December 23rd, 2007 at 10:57 pm
S-Dog,
This is a cruel turn. But know that your inspiration has filled so many of us with hope, and that hope has fostered a belief that you will triumph again and for all. Just six months ago my mom was in a downward spiral that no doctor could explain in her battle against polyneuropathy. Now she has a new lease on life and is again living with optimism.
Your generousity cannot be measured, and I will do my best to give spiritual strength to you from two states away. Best to you, Reena, and your family.
Love,
Jonathan
December 23rd, 2007 at 11:03 pm
I’m sorry to here the news, but just as you fought before, you’ll fight it again. I don’t know you personally but your positivity is apparant from your blog. Keep your spirits high, hold tight to those close to you for support, and conquer this.
Love, rini
December 24th, 2007 at 11:36 am
Hi Sameer,
Kumarji, thanks for the update. Team Vinay (Orange County) members are all praying for this setback to overturn. Our best wishes are with you and your family and we are all hoping that the new treatment will work. Sameer and Reena, hang in there. This too shall pass!
Sudha Prakash
December 24th, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Hi Sameer,
You and Reena are always in our prayers. Myself and my family have complete faith that you will have the strength to fight this setback.
Kailash
December 25th, 2007 at 9:11 pm
Dear Sameer,
God is great. You will “repeat” you will soon get over this. Here is a very good health
prayer for you.
OHM ACHUTHANANDHA GOVINDA VISHNO NARAYANA AMRUTHA,
ROHAN MEI NASAYA ASESHAN ASU DANVANTHARE HARE,
DANVANTHARE HARE VISHNO NARAYANA NAMOSTHUTHE,
KRURAKGRAHAIHE PEEDITHANAM BAKHTHANAM ABAYAPRADHAM,
SREEN RUSIMHUM MAHAVEERAM NAMAMI,
RINAMUKHTHAYE.
God Bless.
Love,
Vasan.
December 26th, 2007 at 11:09 am
i have been a regular reader of this page and did feel happy when sammer was recovering. Sorry to know abt the setback but I am sure sameer and rest of you around him do have the courage and strength to fight.My prayers are always with you all
December 26th, 2007 at 2:46 pm
THANKS TO ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR LOVE AND SUPPORT! I’LL POST NOW TO GIVE YOU ALL AN UPDATE!
LOTS OF LOVE BACK. WE SHALL PRESS ON AND OVERCOME.
SAMEER
December 26th, 2007 at 4:13 pm
Sameer, Reena and family,
You have truly been inspiring to us all in how you have shared your pain, joy and everything else in between. This is simply a speed bump in Sameer’s road to recovery, and we have full faith in Him to help deliver Sameer to full recovery. You are in our thoughts and prayers always, and please continue the hope and the strength you’ve displayed till now.