Starting Up the Blog

We have received lots of requests for updates on Luke's treatment and conditions, so we have started up a website and will try to make periodic updates.

So here is the latest on Luke:
Luke was diagnosed with B Cell ALL (Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia) on Septeber 4th, 2009. He immediately began chemotherapy at Loyola University Hospital. The chemotherapy treatments have been very effective in putting him into remission. That's the good news! But, it is going to be a long haul.

Two weeks ago, we received some test results that were disheartening. Because Luke was part of a leukemia study, as part of the study, they performed genetic testing on his bone marrow and leukemia cells. Those test results revealed that he has a rare chromosomal mutation in his leukemic chromosomes called hypodiploid leukemia. This means that instead of having 46 full chromosomes in his leukemia cells (not in the rest of his body), he is missing chromosomes. We are awaiting further tests to confirm how many he is missing, we believe it's 10 total. His initial tests were not completely conclusive. Because of this finding, Luke's treatment protocol has been completely rearranged. Instead of an anticipated 3 years of chemotherapy and treatment, Luke is now facing 5 years of treatment. (The first two and a half years will be the most intensive). Next week, Luke, Cambrie, and Nick will all go to the hospital for a blood test to determine whether Cambrie or Nick are exact sibling matches for a bone marrow transplant. We have received so many generous and kind offers from family and friends who wish to be tested to find out if they are a donor match; however, at this time, the doctor's are indicating that they will only perform a bone marrow transplant with a sibling match. If Cambrie or Nick are a match, Luke will receive a transplant at Milwaukee Children's Hospital sometime around the beginning of December. He will be in the hospital for a little over a month, and then will remain in Milwaukee for close observation for another 2 months. Because we have not yet met with the transplant doctors (because we are still waiting to find out if Nick or Cambrie match), we don't have any details yet.

If neither Cambrie or Nick match, Luke will begin the more intensive chemotherapy regimen designed for those with hypodiploid leukemia.

Hypodiploid leukemia is a fairly new and rare condition so there is not a whole lot of information available. There has only been one scientific study published, but because Luke's situation is unique and because that study was very limited, the findings in the study don't directly correlate to Luke's age group and type of hypodiploidy. We continue to work very closely with Luke's doctors as well as the specialists who performed the study.

We appreciate everything that all of our friends and family have done for us. We know that your prayers are working because Luke has experienced very few side effects from the chemotherapy and is tolerating his treatments really well. He is upbeat and well enough to complain about having to do homework!

Luke will not be able to attend school this year because the cancer and chemotherapy reduce his body's ability to fight off infections. He is totally bummed that he can't play hockey either. He is however still able to hang out with friends (as long as they aren't sick), and is making the best of his situation. Luke's optimistic attitude is infectious!

We appreciate your continued support and prayers.
Hugs to you all!
Love,
Tisha