Elite Status
My mom, Sherry, was diagnosed in June 2019 with her 4th cancer. She had very few symptoms but wasn't feeling well and was dehydrated. As a result of an ER visit, a PET scan was conducted and the cancer, non Hodgkins Lymphoma, Large B cell, was detected. Mom is in an elite group now as most people do not make it to their 3rd round of non Hodgkins. Some people would call her a frequent flyer, but I think she fits the ELITE status better. As she hit elite status, it required more numerous doctor visits to determine a path of action. Fast forward to today. Mom and Dad (Dan, husband of 55 years) are living in Indiantown, Florida. It is a 3 hour drive from where she is receiving treatment at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa, FL. She is undergoing chemotherapy and is enrolled in a trial study that utilizes CAR T cell therapy. If you want to understand more about this groundbreaking therapy, you can watch this short video. CAR T Cell Video
As of this writing Mom has received a mix of good and bad news. The good news is that the modified T cells are in Tampa! This is huge news as we need the modified T cells to target the cancer. She is scheduled to have them re-infused on Thursday October 10 @ Moffitt in Tampa, where she will stay in the hospital for a week. She then has to stay near Moffitt for a month to be monitored for any ill side effects. Other good news is that one of the masses in her left abdomen has become smaller.
Now for the not so good news. One, the mass in her right abdomen has increased in size. Two, her liver functions are not in the good zone at this time to receive the T Cell therapy. The doctors are working on getting the liver back into the good functioning state in time for the re-infusion of the T cells. Three, as is common with people that have received chemo (this is mom's third time) her veins are not cooperating. They are hopeful that they can place a port near her collarbone today as they are frequently giving her infusions and drawing blood. Fourth, they are increasing her chemo to 6 hours a day for three days to help combat the growing cancer. She has had chemo for the past three weeks and it is affecting her ability to eat and drink as everything tastes metallic. If she has a craving for something, it often doesn't appeal to her. Smells are affecting her in a big way!
Mom has requested that people send a prayer their way and to keep the good vibes coming as she is wanting to fight this battle. She needs the love & support of all of us. Dad is doing a great job and could also use prayer for strength and for not running over the slowpoke drivers going 45 mph on the back roads and with dealing with Tampa traffic. Dad is used to Miami traffic and swears Tampa is worse!!
What do Danny, Lisa, Tony & I need? Well fortunately we have each other and our awesome spouses and friends! But we also could use prayer and words of encouragement and humor. As you know the grandkids, Lindsey (Cody), Allie (Nick), Ana, Foster, Marissa and greatgrandchild, Baby J, are also dealing with their Nana having cancer and their Bumpa being a caretaker. They worry a lot. Sometimes they just need a text or a hug or an I am thinking of you. They need a little lift from their sadness.
Feel free to leave a comment or to email me if you have any questions and I will do my best to update you on Mom's Elite Status. My email is cmarquardt1 at mac {dot }com
Cathy
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