GOOD NEWS!!!!









Dear Family and Friends,
I have very good news to report. Yesterday, Friday 9-1, Emmet, Collier
(Emmet's brother) and I spent the day at MD Anderson. Going into the day,
we anticipated learning specifics on the treatments Emmet would need, and
have somewhat of a schedule. Please keep in mind as you read this that I
can report this stuff only as I understand it. It is over simplified but
for the purpose of this email, and my scope, it's the best I have.

The protocol that Emmet is on (which is still in research stage)consist of
3 rounds of chemo. He has just finished this part. The next step is a
very high dose of chemo given in one day followed immediately by a Stem
Cell transplant in which he is the donor. This purpose of this transplant
is to provide new cells to help recover from the strong effects of the
high-dose chemo. A second transplant is given
3-4 months later with the strong possibility and preference of a donor
transplant. Radiation is also given at the time of the second transplant.
The only
acceptable donor for this would be a sibling. The theory here being that
these new cells would destroy any diseased cells that may be left in
Emmet. We all had lots of
questions, particularly about the donor transplant. The current thinking
is that this complete protocol is the best program for long term health.
Ontologist never like to use the word 'cure'.

Now for what we learned:
1.) Emmet is in remission. After just three rounds of treatments, the
blood and urine indicators are not even showing up on the reports. All at
MD Anderson were thrilled with this. As are we.
2.) Emmet will have a transplant, and he will be the donor. In
preparation
for this, and much to his delight, he gets to immediately stop all of his
current treatments, (chemo, Thalidimide, steroids and a number of other
pills) In
mid September he will take medication to increase his blood counts so that
his own stem cells can be 'harvested' and and then frozen. The first
of October he will have the high dose chemo and transplant. All of this
is hopefully done on an outpatient basis. But daily visits to Anderson
are somewhat expected for the first 30 days or so after the transplant.
3.) Since Emmet has responded so well and is in such good shape, the
second transplant might not be necessary. We considered this really great
news. There are a number of health risks and a much longer recovery time
associated with the donor transplant. This debate will happen in Dec. or
Jan.
4. If the donor transplant is necessary, Art, the California brother, is
a perfect match. Both Collier and Art had submitted blood samples. There
are 10 elements that are identified. For transplants at least 6 need to
match, 8 would be best. Well Art and Emmet match on all 10, WOW. The
only way
it could be any better is if they were identical twins.

It took a total of 5 hours at Anderson yesterday to learn all this. It's
exhausting, at least for me. Emotions swing wide along with the efforts
to understand all this stuff and ask good questions, not to mention the
waiting. It really does take
all three of us to get through.

Our blessings are many. We had a celebratory evening and know that as we
move forward we are certainly in God's hands. Once again I give thanks and
praise for all of your prayers and support. This journey is far from over
but we move forward in the comfort and security of God's love.
From the bottom of our hearts we thank all of you also. I'll keep you
posted
Love, Jennie

PS: Jennie had her CAT scan on Friday so we will get her results back on Tuesday so I will keep ypu posted. Thanks again for all the prayers and concern, I can tell you that they are truely all felt. Emmet