Update from Jen

Ryan had his appointment today with the cancer society to get his blood checked and to see how/if the chemo given has helped and to answer some needed questions Ry has. So far his blood count was at 68,000. He was excited to hear that it had gone down but was disappointed when the nurse said that they where looking for a significant decrease, roughly it should be at 40,000's. They said that the chemo he is on now isn't working and will have to up his dose with another type of chemo. So... not good news but he's optimistic and has high hopes.

We also found out more about his diagnosis, they found a chromosome (PH) - short for Philadelphia chromosome- (Ph): The chromosome abnormality that causes chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).

The Ph chromosome is an abnormally short chromosome 22 that is one of the two chromosomes involved in a translocation (an exchange of material) with chromosome 9. This translocation takes place in a single bone marrow cell and, through the process of clonal expansion (the production of many cells from this one mutant cell), it gives rise to the leukemia. SO.. basically the cells are mutating and his doctors need to do more research on what stage he is at. Remember on the first post I had mentioned the phases of CML? if not here they are again-
The chronic phase (when symptoms are not severe and, with treatment, a person's WBC count can be nearly normal or normal)
The accelerated phase (when WBC and platelet counts may be abnormal and the person may feel ill)
The blast crisis phase (when WBC and platelet counts become very abnormal; bleeding, infections, and other problems can happen)
They believe that it may be in the second phase but need to do more test to be sure. He was given Gleevec (chemo)at a higher dose and will be going back on Monday to have more blood tests. In my research I have heard both good and bad about the drug, as far as side effects goes but it is necessary and where praying that he comes out with no residual long term effects.

However this is not good news and discouraging Ryan is staying strong, he has always been a man of little words, this is just a battle and he will fight until the end!

I just want to thank everyone for all the love and support given! He has been doing a lot of research and gives thanks to those for sending books to keep him occupied.
Please be understanding if you don't get his voice on the line or replies to emails, IM ect... He just needs time to think and digest all the info given to him. He will get to you and asks that I post often to keep everyone in the loop.

Also, we will be selling charity bracelets in the next week or so for $5, just waiting for shipment. So once we have them we will take pics and post a link where you can buy them.

Thanks again everyone!