Cytogenetics Anyone?

I have the written cytogenetics report now. It's quite a bramble. They tested 20 myeloid cells. These were first cultured and studied during the mitosis metaphase, so that the chromosomes are compact and visible. Out of the 20, only one was normal. There is a "translocation error" t(4;11)(q21;p15), where a piece of chromosome four is found in chromosome 11. One cell had chromosome five completely deleted. Another had a two sections of chromosome five deleted (q13 q33). Yet another was missing chromosome nine. Finally, one exhibited artifacts for which they don't have a name (+1-2mar[cp19]/46). It is basically a random degeneration. How's that for "complex cytogenetics"? None of these bear the markers for known "dangerous" varieties. However, they introduce a lot of uncertainty with respect to the behavior of these errant cells. This increases the probability that a relapse will occur and a marrow transplant will be necessary.

I finally broached the topic of cost. The doctor can't provide a concrete estimate, it isn't his field of expertise. Ball park figures place this visit between 50-100K. The bone marrow transplant is substantially more, 300-400K. The difference is due to the fact that she will effectively be in intensive care duing the transplant. Kristi's insurance only covers 80% with a ceiling of 100K. I will have my work cut out for me raising funds. I was initially expecting a colege education or luxury car's cost, but now it is looking more like a new house.

There have been quite a few friends interested in being tested as bone marrow donors. This is an issue of histocompatibility, which currently requires matching a ten dimensional vector. The probability of any random one of us matching is very low. But, you never know. The best thing to do is get yourself in the registry. Your gift may not benefit Krist directly, but you could save a life as a result of the awareness raised by her condition.

Here's a shot of Kristi's ever growing toy garden, to lighten the mood. BTW, you can click on any picture in this blog to see it full size.