URGENT UPDATE

Since our last post, we have basically put into practice the saying, “no news is good news”. 

Initially Mike’s recovery had been moving in a positive direction and we were simply waiting for his body to heal.  However, we have hit a few bumps along the way that now have turned into a hill. 

Several weeks ago, Mike’s doctor noted that his white blood cell counts were beginning to drop.  We were hoping it was a virus, or medication related, but a recent bone marrow biopsy has revealed early MLL (mixed lineage leukemia) cells.  What this means is that if left untreated those cells will turn into full blown leukemia. 

Starting Monday Mike will begin a five-day treatment that will hopefully stimulate the MLL cells to produce proteins that the donor cells can recognize.  At the same time it will stimulate his donor cells so that they will be better able to attack the MLL cells.  After the 5 days, Mike’s blood counts will be monitored weekly to see if this treatment was a success and he is back in remission.   If it is not effective, Mike’s only option is to prepare for another bone marrow transplant.  

Therefore, we are urgently asking all our friends and family, to say the new revised Mike O’Shea Healing Prayer every day.  We truly believe the collective power of prayer from everyone has helped Mike through his many battles over these past eight months.   We are confident that your continuing prayers will help Mike on his journey back to a full recovery.