tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741672436160438708.post5237093191127170667..comments2024-03-26T12:50:32.070-07:00Comments on Learning from and about cancer (chronic lymphocytic leukemia or CLL) by Dr. Brian Koffman: To Life, L'HaimBrian Koffmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13250684684103918493noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741672436160438708.post-13774388183449277002009-11-22T17:38:07.541-08:002009-11-22T17:38:07.541-08:00Brian, My wife and I have been looking at your blo...Brian, My wife and I have been looking at your blog periodically and it seems that you are preparing for a 2nd transplant or some kind of treatment. My situation is somewhat similar to yours. I had a non-myeloablative Allogeneic HCT about two years ago and never developed full chimerism. My CLL returned with some aggressiveness. I began OFAR chemotherapy and seem to have gotten good results. After 3 cycles, my clonal DNA VH IgG / uG decreased by 24 times from 535K to 22K plus my donor chimerism CD3 increased from 44% to 92%. (I just finished 4 cycles but we don't have the test results yet). It seems that the OFAR attacked me more than my donor sister. I don't know if you can expect similar results, but it may be worth considering. Like you I went to see Dr. Kipps, but I did not find him in favor of OFAR in my case. He wanted me to try one a gene therapy clinical trials. I might suggest that you consider seeing my doctor Dr. David Miklos at Stanford for more information.<br /><br />I do want you to know that OFAR is not easy to take and it will make you feel really sick, but that might be a small price to pay if you save your graft.<br /><br />Best wishes,<br />GaryGary I. Akninhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03825427915874982061noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741672436160438708.post-23191344716970650062009-08-10T05:37:12.227-07:002009-08-10T05:37:12.227-07:00Your last five lines sum it all up...the times lea...Your last five lines sum it all up...the times leading up to check ups always seems to bring up thoughts that might have been spent on other activities and events. As soon as your good reports come from the visits, hopefully things will settle again. Be well and remember many are keeping you in their thoughts.Mikha'elhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11480429186486830467noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741672436160438708.post-68156713112718740932009-08-09T22:00:19.843-07:002009-08-09T22:00:19.843-07:00I am 2 years post stem cell transplant and just ha...I am 2 years post stem cell transplant and just had my 2 year check up and all went well and still in a Remission. I know how stressful the weeks before going are....the worry and anxiety. Hoping all goes well for you and your remission continues.Sending good wishes and positive thoughts your way!!!! Just started reading your blog recently and it is great thanks for sharing your story. It is amazinig how many others I find going through the same process, fears and so many ups and downs through the transplant process. For me it was all worth it to be here 2 years later with my 3 children!!!! <br />Life is Good!!!<br />Donna from Boston MAAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2741672436160438708.post-6893872592493813202009-08-09T14:16:26.014-07:002009-08-09T14:16:26.014-07:00L'Haim to you Dr. Brian and as always you rema...L'Haim to you Dr. Brian and as always you remain in my prayers. Check-up time is always unsettling so I pray for peace of mind for you and wisdom for you and your doctors. Karen OwensKaren Ohttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05674905166559495991noreply@blogger.com