The countdown to CAR-T begins. I’m due to head off to Stanford on April 15 (formerly known as ’Tax Day.’) I’ll be staying in a nearby hotel with my caregiver Polly until I’m admitted to the hospital on April 19. “D-Day” is April 20. That’s when my Carvykti bioengineered T-cells are scheduled to be infused. There are several potential nasty side-effects, some more likely than others. The plan is for me to stay in the hospital for 7-10 days, then be discharged to an nearby hotel where my caregiver Eva will take over. I should be there for ~3 weeks. I’ve nearly completed a multitude of pill boxes to take with me for before, during and after hospitalization. Ditto for three different suitcases for the same three periods. Plus my laptop, tablet and phone.

This past week was a little more rough than usual as far as my regular cancer infusion and meds. Our ongoing cold rainy weather didn’t help. Fortunately, this week is my “skip” week" (i.e., no infusions or meds). My last regular infusion will be March 27 before I need to stop all cancer meds in preparation for CAR-T.

It’s been a somewhat mixed bag as far as other medical issues. My jaw osteonecrosis has happily settled down thanks to antibiotics. As the Stanford oral surgeon explained, it was the infection that was causing so much pain rather than the exposed jaw bone since the bone itself is “dead.” I still have these jaw bone shards that feel like sea urchins, but at least no pain. Theoretically, after some period of time, these fragments should fall off. Could be several months or more. Can’t wait!

My lab results of late have been closely monitored twice a week in case I need a blood transfusion. Things were looking ok, then not ok, then ok, then almost certain for a transfusion. However, Sunday’s labs showed that, so far, I don’t need the blood transfusion.

The other development is that my right ribs (notably rib #7) have been pretty painful, especially if I cough even slightly. That's due to the increase in active lesions. Right now, the plan is to have radiation within the next week or so that should cut down on the pain.

Several family and friends have asked how they can help out. I’m ever so thankful to my two planned caregivers Polly and Eva. The exact set-up of the nearby hotel I’ll be lodged is being worked on by the Carvykti folks who are covering lodging, meals and other expenses. As a result, it’s not clear whether we’ll have more than a microwave and small fridge or something more like an extended stay place. Another patient I know told me that she and her caregiver sister just ordered DoorDash for the entire time. Karla (Eva’s mom) offered to help coordinate any meals that local folks would like her to deliver while I’m staying in the hotel before and after hospitalization. Since eating may be problematic for me since I get zapped with some heavy duty chemo, I'm not sure what's possible. As the time gets closer, I’ll let you all know more details. For those not local, just keep me in your thoughts, prayers and good wishes.

California poppies (Eschscholzia californica). Bear Valley Road, near Wilbur Hot Springs
Valley Oak (Quercus lobata) and Silver Lupine (Lupinus albifrons var. albifrons). Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve
Note: These photos are from the Before years...