Wow.

I think God is really testing us this time. I'm very anxious about tomorrow's visit. I am hoping we are able to get some answers to our questions, however, we don't even know what questions to ask. I've spent a lot of time today researching MDS (myelodysplastic syndrome or pre-leukemia) and AML (acute myeloid leukemia) and I can honestly say I'm more confused. I'm understanding the biology and process of it all, but I don't feel any more comfortable one way or the other as far as treatment goes. It's so hard not to have a cut and dry answer. You would think she would either have leukemia or she wouldn't. I wish it were that simple.

Here's what I've gathered so far:

Olivia has MDS, however there are 5 types of MDS. We don't know which type Olivia has.

The doctor is saying that Olivia has MDS, and it may go away and then come back again (which is apparently what is happening now. She had it in May and it is back) or it will evolve into AML.

AML is an extremely aggressive form of leukemia, so the faster treatment is started, the better. Understood. But she technically doesn't have it, yet.

MDS can be controlled through frequent blood and platelet transfusions, but those pose certain health risks and it is not necessarily a cure.

Chemo treatments for AML are very aggressive, lasting from 6-9 months. There would be 6 intense cycles of chemo that would be given every 28 days or so depending on her health and her blood counts.

From what I understand, she could undergo chemo treatments now to get rid of the MDS, but there is still a high chance is would come back again.

And the think that gets me the most...an article I read states that "...the majority of patients, roughly 70%, never develop leukemia. In other words, MDS shortens life in some patients but not in others. Eventually 70 to 75% of patients with MDS succumb to either complications or progression to AML."

What?

Anyway, we are holding on to the fact that Olivia is feeling marvelous and looks great. The girls and I are going to stay with my parents tonight since Olivia has to be at the hospital at 7:30 in the morning. The boys are staying back so Zac and get Jack to school in the morning. The day starts with some labs, then to a GI study, then to meet with the general surgeon about the G-tube, and finally to St. Jude to hopefully get some more information. It would be great if the results were back from the biopsy, but we aren't getting our hopes up. I'll try to post as soon as we get home tomorrow night.
So, we are going to pray big tonight. We are going to pray that the doctors are able to give us some much needed information. We are going to pray for the strength and guidance in the decision making we have ahead of us. And we are going to pray for comfort and confidence in the decisions that we do make.

PS - the doorbell just rang and Olivia got the cutest "feel better soon" balloons from a teacher at the high school and her husband. How sweet is that! People are so wonderful. Thank you!