Kumar’s Feb 25 update
Sameer’s Feb. 19 bone marrow biopsy test results came back and the blast count was close to 50%. This was a disappointment since we needed the blast count to be below 5% to proceed with the next transplant. The two doses of Mylotarg did not work as hoped.
It has been a rocky ride. Sameer had to go back in the hospital on Feb. 17th (Sunday) due to a fever. He was home for just over a week (Feb. 8 – Feb. 17). He developed a fever probably due to an infection which is being treated with a combination of antibiotics. The infections were cleared but he still has fevers and a headache. The medical team said that in the case of low immunity, many patients have fevers for which they cannot find any cause. His blood counts continue to be low and he continues to get transfusions.
For the Presidents’ Day weekend, we had visits from friends from Monkeybin collectively known as the Monkeys (Brady, Nick, Robert and Dayal), Liz, as well as Laxmi and Trey, all from the Bay Area. We all had a nice time together over the weekend in spite of the fact that Sameer had to get back in the hospital on the 17th.
Some complications from the past chemotherapies in addition to the fevers and headaches, are showing up. Currently Sameer’s bladder was found to have clots making it painful for him to pass the urine. They are irrigating his bladder to remove the clots. By the grace of God, the rest of his functions are well within the normal ranges.
Sameer is continuing to stay in the hospital. They are trying a new chemotherapy regimen consisting of chlofarbine and ara-c starting today. The current course is for five day. We hope that with this treatment the blast cell count will be less than 5% for a sustained period to allow a cord blood transplant to be successful. They will check the blast count with a bone marrow biopsy on day 14 and then on day 28.
As is easy to imagine, the treatment is very hard on the body. We pray to God to give Sameer the strength to get through this ordeal, minimize the side effects and make the treatment effective so he can recover completely. Thank you for your continued prayers, blessings and good wishes.
February 27th, 2008 at 11:52 am
Goodluck to you and I know you will make it through with your ever positive outlook towards life and all in it. I understand the importance of modern medicine when it comes to certain illness but having followed the Samar website for so long and watching patients in and out, I would like to ask if you ever considered a combination of modern and alternative medication? In alternative medication, I do not mean oral comsumption but instead: yogic breathing, or the sudarshan kriya?
I have seen it work for numerous issues and as much as I am a strong advocate of the modern medicine, I practise alternative healing and with God’s gentle help, it has worked in instances and miracles have occured. I have faith in the Sudarshan Kriya by the Art of Living. I wish you well. Read about it and make you own decision.
You will win your battle with all forces with you! Good Luck!
February 27th, 2008 at 5:31 pm
Dear Mr. Kumar,
We are praying with very deep faith in God.
Here is the very good health prayer.
OHM ACHUTHANANDHA GOVINDA VISHNO NARAYANA AMRUTHA,
ROHAN MEI NASAYA ASESHAN ASU DANVANTHARE HARE,
DANVANTHARE HARE VISHNO NARYANA NAMOSTHUTHE,
KRURAKGRAHAIHE PEEDITHANAM BAKHTHANAM ABAYAPPRADHAM,
SREEN RUSIMHUM MAHAVEERAM NAMAMI RINAMUKHTHAYE.
God Bless.
Love,
Vasan.
February 27th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
Sending you prayers and positive energy. They say God tests only the strongest and I am sure you are going to beat all odds and emerge a winner. We are all with you!
February 28th, 2008 at 9:10 am
My thoughts and prayers are with you, as are the thoughts and prayers of so many people who like me, have never met you but have been touched by your courage and inspired by your faith. May God bless you and your family.
February 28th, 2008 at 9:30 am
Thanks for the update. Keep fighting and praying. We are all sending you lots of positive energy! Our best to you and your family.
February 28th, 2008 at 11:16 am
Sameer is in my thoughts and prayers and I am sending lots of positive vibes your way for a recovery. Hang in there and know that there are so many of us rooting for you right now. =)
February 28th, 2008 at 9:38 pm
Best wishes to you Sameer- It’s a tough fight- but do hang in there.Although I do not know you personally, am sending healing thoughts your way. Get well soon!
February 29th, 2008 at 6:57 pm
You’ve got some good vibes coming your way from chilly Chicago!
March 1st, 2008 at 11:05 pm
Dear Kumar uncle and Sameer-
As Kris N wrote above considering Alternative Medicine… perhaps you can consult with Swami Ji to offer alternative practices such as yoga, massage and accupuncture to reduce side effects and help with treatment. In addition, please consider fresh, raw, organic fruits/vegetables and wheatgrass to help boost the immune system. Perhaps the RD (dietician/nutritionist) at the hospital can assist in this process.
Hari Om
March 2nd, 2008 at 12:59 pm
Dear Kumar uncle-
Please review this latest article published at Northwestern University if you are taking these specific meds for post chemotx. I have included the URL link. Cut and paste.
http://www.northwestern.edu/newscenter/stories/2008/02/bennettcancer.html