Reunion and Remission

The long wait is over.  The results of Phoebe's bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are in.  When viewed under a microscope, zero leukemia cells were seen.  Zero. This means that morphologically, Phoebe is in remission. To be in morphological remission means that there are less than 5% cancerous cells in the bone marrow, anything fewer can not be seen under a microscope, so the sample needs to be sent for further testing in order to determine minimal residual disease - basically how much, if any cells are still there. This is wonderful news, a great big step in the right direction and another obstacle that Phoebe has overcome.

The plan for the Natural Killer cell treatment can only be done if Phoebe has some remaining Leukemia cells, so the results of the MRD and other cytogenetics testing will very much determine the path that we take.  The doctors think that because Phoebe's cancer is known to be very aggressive, to have the NK cell treatment in addition to another transplant would be best as it would be one more way of  fighting the cancer.  It seems strange, but they are hoping that Phoebe has some remaining cells.  Even if Phoebe has a fraction of a Leukemia cell, it would still be enough to divide and multiply, and so that would warrant the NK cell therapy. 

In the meantime, we are waiting and seeing, but also celebrating.  We have come so far.  Phoebe has once again defied the odds and proven that anything is possible.  When we embarked on this part of our journey, when we decided to do everything possible to try to get Phoebe's cancer back in to remission, we were cautioned by many doctors.  We were told that it would be difficult, that it might not be possible, that we should just accept this as our fate and bring Phoebe home.  We decided that to bring Phoebe home, to choose to keep her comfortable instead of try again, to give up, was not a reality that we were willing or able to face.  Phoebe is here, she is fighting so hard for the chance at a life and as long as this is true, we will never give up.

Tonight in Madrid, Spain, a concert is being held in Phoebe's honour.  People are joining together to dance, listen to great music, and to celebrate Phoebe.  I know that Phoebe can feel the wonderful energy and good and positive vibes coming to her from across the ocean and we feel so fortunate to be surrounded by the love and support of so many wonderful people.  Thank-you Madrid!

And to top off this wonderful week, Phoebe decided to wear her mask so she was able to leave her room to explore the playroom.  And .... 

she has happily been reunited with her big sister.