We found out this morning that neither of the girls match Andrew's tissue type. The transplant from a sibling would have been the best treatment method, but now we are on to immunosuppressive therapy.
We are meeting with Dr. Harris, a Hematologist/Oncologist at U of M Hospital, on Monday morning. Later that day, Andrew will be admitted to the hospital to begin the treatment. He will be in the hospital for at least the rest of the week.
In the meantime, they will be looking for an unrelated donor for a bone marrow transplant. Dr. Levine, Dr. Jamil, and Dr. Harris believe that this treatment would be preferred to immunosuppressive therapy if they can find a matching donor. For anyone willing to join the bone marrow registry, we would encourage you to go to http://www.marrow.org/ to find a registry drive in your area.
11 comments:
Andrew we love you so very much and are praying without ceasing! Love: Uncle Sean, Aunt Sara, and Lydia
So glad you created this blog- we're thinking of you and praying each day for Andrew and you all. I just did a web search and still have a minimal understanding of Aplastic Anemia. What do the doctors believe causes/d this?
Aplastic Anemia is more of a condition than a specific disease, and there are a variety of causes for it. Some of these are a genetic diseases called Fanconi Anemia and Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH), a virus called the Parvo Virus, autoimmune disorders such as lupus, and overexposures to various things, some of which include radiation, certain medications, and insecticides. Also, there has been somewhat of a link shown between hepatitis and aplastic anemia.
Unfortunately, they never find the official cause in 60% of Aplastic Anemia cases, and Andrew falls into this category. He has been tested for hapatitis, Parvo virus, Fanconi anemia, and PNH, as well as for other things, and they have all come back negative.
The best online resource I have found is the Aplastic Anemia and MDS International Foundation website, at www.aamds.org. There is a lot of information contained there.
Dear Miller's-
You are in my prayers daily. Not an hour goes by that I do not stop and think about what you must be going through. I pray you will feel God's hand on your should as you fight this battle.
Love,
Maureen Moons and family
Already on the Bone Marrow registry - been waiting for a call for about 15 years now, hoping someday I'll be able to come through for someone. We miss Andrew very much and wish you all so many good thoughts and prayers.
Dena, Jake, and Jeff Frye
We are thinking of you and pray for Andrew. Is there a way to get tested to see if any of us are a match for Andrew? We will be more than happy to get tested.
Kathy Mclaughlin
To the happiest, bravest boy we know. We love you very, very much.
YiaYia & Papou
The Berry's are thinking of Andrew and the family. He is in great care. Let us know if we can do anything! All our prayers and love, Joe, Colleen, and Baby Berry
Erin, Just got your Blog forwarded from Tracy Phillips. Andrew and your family are in my prayers! I love the Bible verse at the top of your page. I will definitely pray for strength for you and Andrew during this hard time! You have prayers going up from St. Louis Area. I'll also stick my mom on the mission. You'll have another prayer warrior up in Minnesota. Miss you guys!
Andrew - I am sending you a hug that you can get from your mom and dad. We miss having you in your preschool class. God loves you and I love you.
- Mrs. McDonald
Andrew-
Just as soon as you can shake those doctors, you will have to have a playdate with Bobby K. Prayers going up and know you have four more on the list to be tested as donors!
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