Help Vinay & Sameer

Dear Friends of Sameer and Reena,

We were looking forward to the results of the bone marrow biopsy from yesterday (Jan. 23). We did get the results today and there are 31% blast cells. This will delay the DLI on which we are relying for recovery. The current course of action is to give Sameer Mylotarg with the hope that it will provide a temporary reduction in the leukemic cells to make a DLI successful. Sameer will get a dose of Mylotarg today and then they will wait for a bone marrow biopsy on Feb. 5 to confirm that Mylotarg has done its job. All else is ready for the DLI.

We were very happy with the bone marrow biopsy of Jan. 14 which showed a 2.3% blast cells which is well within the 5% or so limit for a DLI procedure. It now appears that the Jan. 14 results were most likely from a pocket or cluster in the marrow where the leukemic cell percentage was low. A pelvic MRI to check the GI irritation and swelling, coincidently done at the time of the Jan. 23 bone marrow biopsy, showed pockets of leukemic cell clusters. It is good that we found out that otherwise the DLI most likely would have been a waste since a DLI has a better chance of success when the leukemic cells are lower in number.

The last month has been difficult for all of us. First we had the relapse, followed by a difficult chemo procedure and the resulting stomach complications, and the worst of all the lingering leukemia. In spite of all these setbacks and discomfort, Sameer remains mentally strong. His blood  counts have started to increase and as a result his stomach is slightly better. You can read Sameer’s blog for the his detailed descriptions and perspectives.

We believe that he will recover from this illness but we just don’t know when. Please continue to pray for Sameer’s full recovery. Thank you.

Kumar