CAR-T Cell Therapy: Introduce yourself and connect with others

Dave did not have fungal pneumonia. He had an RSV infection which progressed into viral pnuemonia. He also contracted bacterial pneumonia as well. He got both despite religiously taking his BACTRA (antibiotic) and Acyclvir (antiviral), constant handwashing and using hand sanitizer. I guess being around a 20-month old with a slight runny nose and a little cough was our downfall. We both got the RSV pretty badly, and Dave just couldn't fight it off. From now on, we both wear masks when we see our grandson (he's our only grandchild--so far!). We hope we don't scare him. (He lives about 3 hours from us, so we don't see him every day.) Dave, who returned to work today, is wearing his Vogmask and vinyl gloves when he is outside our house. I am wearing a mask and gloves too--at least until flu season is over.

I am glad everything turned out okay. Yikes! We love our grandchildren and want to spend time with them.
I thank you for your update. To remind us to always be on guard. Sometimes I think I’m paranoid about the germs. This reminds me to stay vigilant.

Has CAR-T therapy been used for metastatic triple negative breast cancer? Any trials at Mayo for m TNBC

Hello all,

My name is Krista, and my husband Ryan has had his T-cells harvested, awaiting infusion until pancreatitis/liver function improves. We are approaching the one-year mark since diagnosis, and it seems as though there is always something unexpected around the corner.

We have 2 young kids at home, and a number of friends who will be sharing caregiving duties for Ryan during treatment. We have learned through other hospitalizations that the kids need me more than he does! We also have grandparents and others who will stay with them when I need/want to be with Ryan.

I’m particularly interested in hearing from anyone with children who has done CAR-T, as well as those who have had multiple caregivers. Our plan is to stay at the Gift of Life Transplant House. Can anyone share from experience there?

Hi Krista, and welcome. As you prepare for your husband's CAR-T treatment, I can imagine you have several questions regarding the needs of your young children, managing multiple caregivers, etc. I'm tagging @valerie912. Judging by her profile picture, I think she's been in your shoes. Also @grannybrenda and @grandpabob may be able to provide insights as dedicated grandparents.

Past Gift of Life House residents @jerrydrennan @rosemarya and @jodeej can help answer your questions about staying at the GoL House in Rochester. And this article may help answer commonly asked questions:

* Transplant Hospitality Houses - A Home Away From Home https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/transplant/newsfeed-post/transplant-hospitality-houses-a-home-away-from-home/

Krista, will your children travel with you or stay at home with their grandparents?

Hello Krista, My name is Bob, i had Car T therapy last August. We stayed at GOL on several occasions. We found it to be beneficial with its close proximity to the clinic. We found the advantage of being able to use the amenities within the facility when we wanted to be very practical. The social aspect was vey helpfull as well. I felt haveing others around me in similar circumstances to be beneficial. People understood what was transpiring around us. The clients and staff were always courteous and treated everyone with dignity. In preparing for Car-T we were advised to have two care givers at all times. This turned out to be great advise as one was not enough at times. Insure your freinds are totally commited to caregiving. (no disrespect intended to anyone) We did not have the added complexity of having to care for young children simultaneously. Feel free to reach out if you feel I could provide more insight.

Hi Krista.
I am Brenda and was Bob’s main caregiver. First let me say welcome to the CAR-T family. Sorry that you are having to be here, but we were very thankful to get the opportunity! It is a whirlwind and I cannot imagine doing it with young children. I can only share my experience as a care giver and not all are the same. I am very grateful I had people to relieve me and give me a break and to help at the GOL. When we were told to be with him 24-7. We did, and both neurotoxicity events came on during sleep. I was very grateful I was there. Nurses are fantastic but they cannot be there every minute. Lots of time it just involves watching them sleep. In our case that was important. Wifi is great at the Mayo.
We wish you, your family and extended family all the best! As a granny I’m glad you have grandparents to be with the children so you can be with your husband if he needs you.

Hi @marinak
I found this article
- CAR-T Trial for Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Under Way https://www.cancertherapyadvisor.com/home/news/conference-coverage/san-antonio-breast-cancer-symposium-sabcs/sabcs-2018/car-t-trial-for-triple-negative-breast-cancer-under-way/

Trials for CAR-T for TNBC are in early phases (phase 1) as yet.

Here is a recent article about promising research at Mayo Clinic for TNBC:
- Mayo researchers identify potential new treatment for subset of women with triple-negative breast cancer https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/mayo-researchers-identify-potential-new-treatment-for-subset-of-women-with-triple-negative-breast-cancer/

You can find more clinical trials being conducted currently at Mayo Clinic for triple negative breast cancer here: https://www.mayo.edu/research/clinical-trials/search-results?keyword=triple%20negative%20breast%20cancer

@kjmahoney
Hi Krista, I am a liver and kidney transplant recipient. My husband and I lived in the GOL ( https://gift-of-life.org/ ) for 11 weeks in the spring of 2009. We were 800 miles from our home, and it became our home-away-from home during that stressful time of our lives. At first the idea of a 'group' house was uncomfortable to me because I treasure my privacy. I soon learned that the GOL provided me the privacy that I desired, and also the companionship and support from patients and caregivers who were undergoing similar journeys. It is convenient to the Mayo Clinic because there is a free shuttle that picks up and drops off at the door! My husband (retired) was my full time caregiver, but I did meet others who had several family members/friends who rotated the responsibility. All guests are required to take a tour of the House and to agree to the terms for staying there.
I highly recommend the Gift of Life House!

@kjmahoney
Hello I am Jerrydrennan
I had a liver transplant 7mths ago. After my transplant I stayed at the GOL house for my recovery . My wife is disabled and not a le to stay at the GOL. My brothers helped alo g with my niece .
Changing caregivers is not hard . Need to get registered and they can take turns. Our daughter took care my wife/mom.
They where able to visit everyday. We had dinner at the GOL house together and enjoyed the game room upstairs. If there is any question that I can help with please ask. Also @jodeej is very helpful I follow her lead with her husband.
Prayers
God Bless
Jerry Drennan