Hello Friends! We’ve been beating a path to south Philadelphia to participate in the CAR T-cell trial at UPenn. Schedules were tight as we’ve tried to keep up the routine around 3 or 4 trips each week. Despite the lack of recent updates, though, be assured that no news is good news in this case! Let’s rewind.
Sherri’s T-cells behaved themselves, reproducing as all good cells should. They received their CAR mods, and the new little T-bird hot-rods were ready to rock and roll for 9 infusions that started on Sep 8 and concluded today, Sep 26. In another moment of synchronicity, the last CAR infusion was given by nurse Portia (there is no substitute…) Sherri has now gotten back her cells, with interest: 4.6 billion of them, 516 million at a time. Each treatment involved about 6 hours elapsed time, including travel, prep, infusion, and monitoring. Actual infusion time? About 2 minutes per dose…
Sherri has been feeling a little fatigued after each treatment, but her energy started to ramp back up just recently. She felt a strange taste sensation and had an aura of creamed corn and garlic about her right after infusion, due to the cell carrier concoction. Nevertheless, all signs are good at this point; no adverse side-effects are surfacing. Too soon to tell what’s happening under the hood, but next week we should start to find out with a series of follow-up checks; a biopsy, physicals, and scans recurring into early November. No telling what our next steps will be after that. It all depends on what shows up, and more importantly, what doesn’t show up.
This has been a good experience, all things considered. It’s another nice relief from the chemo. UPenn Hospital has their act together and the research and clinical staff have all been top notch. Sherri says she still feels that this is the right thing to be doing. She’s a true scientist immersed in science, and a true spirit immersed in life!
Thanks truly for your continued support as well. Sherri’s remarkable appearance and calm demeanor in the face of all the turmoil are underpinned by her awesome people network. You are the bucket seats with leather upholstery, keeping us comfortable and secure on our journey. You even clean up nicely when we spill stuff on you.
So good to hear the engine is running as well as can be expected, and that it can idle for awhile now, after this last infusion. And by the looks of recent trash piles, things are chugging along on home front, too. Blessings to all!
We sure love you guys.
Thanks for the update. Our small prayer group has been asking about your doings. We continue to hold you all up in our prayers. Sure enjoyed your super trip pictures.
Thanks, as always, for the no-news-is-good-news update! It is great to hear that things seem to be working, and Sherri’s T-cells are picking up speed on the Autobahn of recovery. okay, that didn’t quite work, but you know what I mean… 🙂 As always, bushels of love are coming your way, and we will make a trip up to see you all soon. Keep it up, you all! xoxo
Thanks for another good update. Keep up the excellent work Dr. Sherri; you (are a) rock!
Glad to hear things are motoring along. We think of you often and send lots of love and healing wishes!
Sending love. You both are amazing!
So good to hear this news of how your body is rebuilding what it needs to go the distance! Blessings and love every day and every step.
Just checking in to send some love and good wishes!
Hi,
just letting you know we think about you all the time and are happy that things are as good as they are.
This is so promising–yaaaay! I love how you guys are living on the edge of scientific innovation. Jim and I send our love. xo
Sherri, Dave and girls,
Missed seeing you over the summer but understand you have more important things to focus on. Lots of prayers we are sending your way to bring you strength through this extremely tough journey. Your story is inspiring to us; you are all amazing!! God is with you every step…stay strong! Love from The Robinson Family – Craig, Regina, Allie & Olivia.