“Two of the holy grails of medicine – stem cell technology and precision gene therapy – have been united for the first time in humans, say scientists.” – from article
Believe it or not, I used to find articles like this incredibly fascinating, long before Dave’s diagnosis and intimacy with stem cell therapy. MM stem cell therapy is often mistaken for the cure, when it is really the salvaging of your immune system after it’s been obliterated with high dose chemotherapy. I’m talking about the Autologous version. I don’t know a lot about the Allo or mini allo, except what I have read in articles. And of course, articles are sorely lacking in the details and nuances when you are going through them.
Anyway, it’s not a story on MM breakthroughs, but a general look at what researchers are working on in trying to find ways to cure disease using both gene therapy and stem cells. The researchers in the article say it is incredibly difficult to do and terribly costly. But they have done it and I find it exciting and hopeful.
While in Little Rock this past week, I was asking about the Natural Killer Cell research and protocols. So far, nothing earth shattering and it was sounding more disappointing that hopeful. Which made me wonder about the U of Penn story on a similar research for leukemia patients that had hit the news with a big hopeful bang and then nothing. Three patients, three successes, and then dark. All I can say is that I hope they all keep being interested and continue to garner funding to move forward with their efforts.
The best of luck to you Paula! I have envisioned that you have a GREAT report on your progress from the doctors on this visit. Hang in and look up Jan Bertsche, Angie Murray and Andrea while you are there.
This evening I went to Dave’s page….don’t know why I had not gone there before. Knowing where he began this journey and to read your passionate blogs as a caregiver gives me hope and peace. So we begin this journey back to MMville packing to the “rim” of the SUV. Anxious and perplexed we begin to wonder what each day will be like for both of us…the cherished caregiver and the patient. We simply pray for God to carry us and all the people who are in this place and time. Will write soone
Thanks Paula! Good luck on everything! Are you getting a bit stronger now? You won’t get back perfect before needing to proceed, but you surely can feel “better”. And remember, it does indeed get a little easier. 🙂
So glad you and Dave made it home. We leave the 2 of Nov. Hope and pray you continue to recover and stay healthy
Paula