We've been pretty anxious for the last couple days waiting to hear the results of our recent procedures. Finally late yesterday, Tim's oncologist called. Tim's test results showed no tumor progression since February. There is a small area of concern that they think is inflammation and scarring but not cancer. The plan is to hold off on further chemotherapy for the time being and monitor closely. We're really relieved that Tim's cancer hasn't roared back after being off chemo for 7 months.

Paul's results are only preliminary, but they show almost no cancer cells. However, the Oncologist said that preliminary results are often an underestimate of the actual number. So, although we're still waiting for the final pathology report, a transplant looks like a pretty sure thing since the requirement is to have less than 10 per cent cancer cells. The transplant will likely be scheduled at Stanford for late October or early November. This will involve wiping out Paul's bone marrow completely with a really harsh chemo, followed by re-introduction of his healthy cells that were harvested just beforehand. Once Paul is sent home, he'll need several weeks of isolation, strict precaution and procedures -- sort of along the lines of a bubble boy. Research evidence indicates that having a transplant early is both easier to recover from and has longer remissions.

SuperTrees at Marina Bay, Singapore