For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Jeremiah 29:11

Sunday, May 19, 2013

My 21-month results

The current treatment goal for CML is to reach a Major Molecular Response (MMR) within 18 months.  MMR is achieved when pcr reaches 0.1% (1/1000 of 100%, also called a 3-log reduction).   PCR measures how many of the tested white blood cells are leukemic.

At 21 months, my pcr was 0.3%, so I haven't reached MMR yet.  I was thrilled with that result, though, because it's the lowest pcr I've had since since my diagnosis.  My oncologist wasn't as excited as me about that result, so I have to have the test repeated in June and July. 

I have been increasingly tired in the past two weeks or so, to the point that I can fall asleep in the middle of the afternoon while sitting up.  I have a follow up appointment in June with Dr. Faust, the thyroid surgeon who did my biopsy last year, so my thyroid labs will be repeated then.  Excellent timing, I think.