Quick update from Russell....

Moira moved back to the DMU ward today, to assure quality delivery of remaining CMV and VOD drugs over next couple of weeks and to monitor response to 2nd infusion of Mylotarg given last Tuesday....DMU has more experienced/specialised nursing care than Guthrie plus positive pressure room with an AC to combat dehydration/hot weather.

Last week was a tough week waiting on the results of latest Biopsy to evaulate impact of Mylotarg on remaining leukaemic cells spotted at previous biopsy, thanks to Moira's Mum, Lynda, Claire and Ali et al. for helping out and feeding the boys...........

Yes the biopsy results were good............<10% abnormal cells, confirming theMylotarg working. The 2nd infusion is designed to nail the rest of the bastards.

I was away in Cairo last week packing up the house, flew out Saturday, one days prep on Sunday (aided by Ross and Elliott, plus Nela, Abdou, Lisa, Heike – thanks to all of you), then packers in (help from Aine – thanks again, kept me cool and sane), all done by Thursday 5pm, boy was it hot (2 days at 47degC), sad to leave, but felt good to have one less thing to manage - even managed an overnight trip to Moon Beach to windsurf my heart out on Friday before returning home Saturday, so don't feel too sorry for me.

We are hoping to get thru this phase of treatment by end July..........there is then a further piece of treatment aimed at finishing off the abnormal cells (longterm).....this will involve the use of Alpha-Interferon to stimulate the new/donor's immune system to attack any remaining abnormal/leukaemic cells. This will take place late July/early August and may make Moira quite ill again (mega Flu like symptoms are the principal side effect). The Dr’s and the Charismatic Prof Mufti seem very positive about the prognosis and want to hold back from using a Donor Lymphocyte Infusion at this stage (something that had been on the agenda, but would take time to line up).

That’s enough technical stuff for now……….on the home front I am off up to the new house to start the building contractor for the roof off tomorrow, then am taking 3 of the boys to see the Red Hot Chilli Peppers at Earls Court on Tuesday night……a nice break from being at home, seeing Mum in hospital and the odd skateboarding expedition around the South Bank………….I think we will do the Motor Show and the F1 exhibition at the Design Museum this next couple of weeks too.

Keep up the comments and support, it all makes a huge difference in keeping us positive and moving forward a day at a time………..we will get there in the end.

Love Russell & Moira.
XXX