Day 15 numbers and Results (Dec 31)

Well, we are now mid-way through month one of chemo (called the induction phase). Brandon has been through hell and the hope is that now he can turn the corner and start feeling a bit better (until round 2 that starts at about Day 35).

His numbers today are:
Hgb - 76 - transfusion today
Platelets - 29
WBC - 0.4

We also received results from some tests:

1. Confirmed that there is NO leukemia in his spinal fluid (big sigh of relief)
2. Cytogenetics test on his bone marrow shows that he is in the "average" category

What does that mean?

AML cases are divided into specific subtypes. The subtypes are divided according to the type of cell from which the leukemia cells developed and their degree of maturity. The subtype that Brandon has is M1:

M1: Acute Myeloblastic Leukemia with Minimal Maturation. The leukemia cells show minimal signs of development and granulocytic differentiation. 15% of adult AML patients are diagnosed with this subtype, which is associated with an average prognosis.

So, it's not the best news (which would probably mean no transplant required), but it's not the worst either. So here's hoping that we catch a break - after all, Brandon is FAR from average (in my unbiased opinion).