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Timeline

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We have dates! Which we also realize is subject to change without notice, or at least very little notice.  As of right now the plan is to undergo cell collection on December 5th.  This is an outpatient and seemingly painless (but annoying) process where they hook Matt to a giant machine, similar to giving blood, separate the t cells, and then return his blood in the other arm.  They will then send his t cells to a manufacturer where they will attach the CAR.  After about six weeks, they will return his new, fancy t cells and Matt will be officially admitted for treatment.  He is scheduled to be admitted on January 17th.  3 days prior to being admitted he will receive chemo in a final attempt to reduce his burden of disease as much as possible.  Once inpatient he will receive his new tcells (not sure how many days after being admitted) and then we sit and wait.  They expect him to be inpatient for 10-14 days as they monitor his side effects.  During this time he can have visitors, but only adults. Because confusion and cognitive function can be affected during this time, he is not allowed to drive for 60 days after he gets home.  We are hoping his recovery doesn't take quite that long and he can get behind the wheel a little sooner.  

For now, Matt will continue his 2x a week chemo appointments.  So far it seems to be keeping his numbers stable.  While we'd love if they went down, the doctors are okay with them staying put as long as they don't begin to trend upwards.

Thank you to everyone who has reached out; whether to get an update, share a helping hand, or just a note to let us know you're thinking of us.  Continue to send all the positive vibes into the universe that Matt's chemo does what it needs to do until January!

All our love,

Matt & Mandy 

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