Wonderful news!!!!!

We are so happy about Mei-Rose's condition. She has improved tremendously. Her bone scan and skeletal survey show a dramatic decrease in the amount of lesions on her bones. It also shows that the lesions that are still there are significantly reduced in size. We are optimistic that with the remainder of her chemotherapy treatment those remaining lesions will be completely wiped out. For now though, her treatment has changed. She will still receive Vinblastine and the dosage remains the same, but the frequency has changed to once every three weeks. Today is considered week 7. Her next dose will be administered in Week 10. Along with that medication, she will receive Prednisone orally 2.7ml, three times a day for five days. We still have a way to go and could not have done it without all of your prayers and support. na ke akua e ho'opomaika'i ia 'oukou

Bone-Scan/Skeletal Survey

Mei-Rose had a very long day. She spent close to 8 hours at Kapiolani Medical Center. She had a blood draw, skeletal survey (complete xrays of her whole body), and a bone scan. It required sedation. Although the test results for the bone scan and x rays will not be ready until next week, Mei's initial blood work looks very good. One of the indicators has improved dramatically. We are so happy that there is some improvment. We look forward to sharing the good news with you next week.

Week six- what next?

Mei-Rose is finished with her initial six treatments of Vinblastine. She had her sixth treatment on Wednesday and is doing fairly well. We received word today that Mei-Mei will have a Bone Scan procedure done on Tuesday, September 13, 2005. She will also have a skeletal survey done. The last time that was done, she screamed the whole time. It was very hard on her. This time she will be sedated for the bone scan and probably a little groggy for the xrays. Dr. Glaser has also lessened her prednisone dosage. She will be completely off of that drug by next week Wednesday. She might need it again later but for now the plan is to reduce to none of the drug. Mahalo for all of your prayers.