A Good Abnormality?

[Photo: Just after Neil "buzzed" the remainder of Cindy's 'chemo' hair]

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Apparently not all abnormalities are bad.  In cytogenetics at least, some abnormalities are good.  Take translocation 8;21 for example. That’s a good one for people with AML and Cindy is blessed to have such a good abnormality.

Huh?  Did I lose you before I lost myself?  Well, you see I found tables in the AML literature featuring “prognostic-risk groups” based on “cytogenetic and molecular profile.” Cindy’s 8;21 translocation is one of the features that puts her in the low risk group.

While much more will be known after Cindy completes the next “consolidation” round of chemotherapy in mid- to late-March, having this good abnormality bodes well for Cindy.  

Cindy had an appointment Thursday (2/28) with Dr. Jaiyesimi who said that if the success Cindy’s has enjoyed so far continues through that consolidation round, then chemo is done for the foreseeable future.  

Thank you Dr. J. for giving us the next prayer goal - maintaining remission through consolidation chemo. Meanwhile, Cindy’s job is to rest and take it easy on herself.  No overdoing anything!

Seems like good advice for the rest of us who don’t have cancer, right?  Meanwhile, the idea of a good abnormality seems too wonderful to grasp. Cancer is when once normal cells go rogue, mutating to damage a body they supposed to protect.  Yet buried in the mess of it all are a few of these abnormalities that are not enemies after all but allies. Go figure.

I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
   your works are wonderful,
   I know that full well.
(Psalm 139:14, NIV)