Eric and I just returned from our consultation with the hematologist/oncologist.  The second bone marrow biopsy changed the diagnosis from RAEB-1 to RAEB-2.  RAEB stands for Refractory Anemia with Excess Blasts.  The "2" at the end indicates that there are a greater number of blast cells, which is not good.  The 2 means that Eric's diagnosis went from the low end of high risk to the high end of high risk.

Another piece of paper (so many pieces of paper to deal with!) states the diagnosis is:  Advanced Myeloid Neoplasm with Fibrosis.  If I understand correctly, the fibrosis part of the diagnosis is what made Eric's bone marrow "chunky like cement."

The lab drew more blood today because they are still trying to get enough DNA to do a cytogenetic study.  The results of the cytogenetic study will not lower Eric's risk assessment, but it could increase his risk factor to very high.  Without therapy Eric could be dead in a year from infection.

Luckily, Eric is on the young side for this cancer and he is in better shape than the average person with this cancer.  He doesn't have any other health problems.  The doctor said it was a no brainer that Eric should start aggressive treatment for his bone marrow cancer.
 
Aggressive treatment means a bone marrow transplant at LDS Hospital.  We have an appointment with the specialist on June 28.  Eric has seven siblings (six potential donors), so there are good odds that a suitable bone marrow donor should be found, assuming they will share.  And coincidentally, all but one of them will be in Utah next weekend for a family reunion. 

In the meantime, Eric's cancer is aggressive, so he is having lower intensity therapy now to prevent it from progressing.  Eric will have outpatient chemo seven days in a row, then 21 days off, and then start over again until it is time for the more aggressive treatment at LDS.  His first round of chemo started today.  This was a surprise for us, but we are glad to get the whole process started.

Eric will have another blood transfusion on Saturday, at the same time he is getting his chemo.  The low intensity chemo has side effects, but the doctor told us that Eric probably won't be feeling a lot worse than he is already feeling.  That is reassuring.  He won't lose his hair, but he may have some nausea.

Not quite what we were hoping to hear, but we were very pleased that Dr. Samuelson was open and up front with us.  His entire staff seemed to be very on top of this, which is good because it seems a bit overwhelming to us at the moment.  We have a lot to learn, a lot of appointments in the near future, and a lot of uncertainty as to how it will all turn out.

We love you all and appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts.

Just a word from Eric:  It is so good to know what the circumstances of my condition are and to have thoughtful and creative doctors to chart a course for addressing those circumstances and improving that condition.  This is all that I could ask for and I deem it a clear answer to the kind thoughts and prayers from all who have learned of this situation.  How grateful we are for your love and support!