Tuesday, April 21, 2009

What the specialist said

At about 11:30AM, we finally manage to see the consultant Haematologist, Dr. Ng. He explained that in the west, CML is normally found on adult, >30 years old. In the east, we have cases even in children, as young as 13.
Two options are available, poping pills for the rest of his life or do a stem cell transplant.
Option 1: This is not too bad if the case is an adult. Also, it seems that stem cell transplant is more troublesome for much older adults. For young children, they seem to response better to stem cell transplant. Another issue with popping pill has to do with compliancy, ie, consistently taking pill without miss.
Option 2: Stem cell transplant. Dr. Ng just came back from a conference and informed that in China, a certain Dr. Huang, prefer stem cell transplant for younger people. This is for practical reason and also more logical. The main driver is that stem cell transplant offers a permanent cure. But the side effect is body rejection of the donor's cell. For this option, the patient will go on the drug for 6 months until the situation stabilises; then a transplant is done.
Ah Jon is fortunate that he has 5 other siblings and there is a 25% chance of a match in each one.
The doctor recommended option 2, and will carry out a mini stem cell transplant in 6 months. He needs to stay in a clean room for one month at a cost of >RM100K.
We prefer option 2 right from the beginning because this is his only chance to live a normal life.
Is there a divine intervention here? I would think so! Months ago, the three girls all decided to come back this year and we all agreed to that. They have been away for up to 4 years. Then he wanted to stay back in Miri to study against the will of the parents who prefer to pack him up to study elsewhere. We agreed to his desire. Next, if he didn't have that car accident and a small fever, it would never trigger off the blood test.
Are all this coincident? I don't think so.
Please pray that he will response to the drug Glivec (imatinib) and that he will not suffer any serious side effect. Also pray that one of the sibling would have a perfect match.
We thanks our company for covering the cost of treatment. Glivec costs RM300 per pill (US$3000 per month) and he needs a pill a day for the next 6 months.

13 comments:

Andy Chew said...

Siew Yew was Dr Ng's patient before. Very experienced and caring doctor. We pray God will continue to open doors for Ah Jon to receive complete healing. Let us know if there is anything we can help. Take care and God bless.

Merryn said...

of everything that have happen, thank goodness for your company to be able to cover the pills.. that costs a bomb.. ah jon, everything's will be alrite.. daddy too, take care! :)

Nil said...

God works in many different ways. We just have to continue to have faith and believe. Things will be okay if we only do that. My sincerest regards to Ah Jon and the rest of the family.

mousie said...

provided we all pass our exams.... hehe

William said...

Andy: Thanks. He is indeed good.

Merryn: Yes... and thanks for your encouragement.

Nil: Yes, you are right.

Mousie: You will all pass your exam! Don't doubt.

Anonymous said...

Yes, the Bible says that all things work for the good of those that loves the Lord. He has a wonderful plan for our lives and including Ah Jon. Be courageous and maintain your faith and hope in Him.

Regards,
Evelin

chchoo said...

William, our sincere regards to Ah Jon and your family, we hope he will get well soon. Take care.

William said...

Evelin & chchoo: Thanks for your encouragement. Blessing to you all!

flower said...

Hello William, how are you? It has been quite sometimes I do not visit your blog. I was busy with my house renovations and did not have the time to sit down infront of my pc. As i read through your blog, only know that Jon is sick. So how is he doing now. I hope he will be just fine and also hope he will response to the medications he is taking. Don't worry William. God will take good care of Jon.

William said...

Hello flower: I thought you have gone missing! Somehow, I was hoping that you will reappear one of these days! So you have a lot to "catch up" on my blog!
I am very well but not my son. Please pray for him. Pray for healing for him.
Jon is on medication and is suffering from the side effects. Today, he complained of muscle ache, etc. Otherwise, he is normal. Yes, God will take care of him. We all trust Him.
Ok, blessing to you and take care.

William said...

Hello flower: I thought you have gone missing! Somehow, I was hoping that you will reappear one of these days! So you have a lot to "catch up" on my blog!
I am very well but not my son. Please pray for him. Pray for healing for him.
Jon is on medication and is suffering from the side effects. Today, he complained of muscle ache, etc. Otherwise, he is normal. Yes, God will take care of him. We all trust Him.
Ok, blessing to you and take care.

flower said...

Yea, i have lots to catch up on your blog. William, from time to time, please update about Jon's health. Sure, we shall all pray for him. Send my regards to Jon and your family. God bless

William said...

Flower: Thanks. I will update Jon's condition every now and then. Thanks for praying for him.
God bless and take care.