For a week-by-week update on my treatment check here (billonthecamino.com/cancer).
For those of you that haven’t been following along, I’m nearing the home stretch of my cancer treatment. So far, I’ve had chemotherapy and radiation. But those only set the stage for the main treatment: Chimeric Antigen Receptor T-cell Therapy (CAR-T).
The CAR-T Process
Step 1: Harvesting
- CAR-T starts with the harvesting of T-Cells from the blood. I went through that process three weeks ago. Those cells have been sent off to a lab, and have been genetically modified and multiplied. The genetic modifications allow the modified T-Cells to directly connect to and kill cancer cells.
Step 2: Chemotherapy
- This prepares my body to accept the new cells. As I post this, I’m going through the first of two days of chemotherapy. Photo above.
Step 3: Infusion
- I will be admitted to the Hospital (on June 29). The next day (June 30), they’ll infuse the modified cells into my body. This is pretty easy. Only takes about a half an hour.
Step 4: Recovery
- This is the hard part.
- The side effects of CAR-T can be so severe, that I’m required to stay in the hospital for 2 full weeks under close medical care. In the worst cases, some patients even have to be transferred to the ICU.
- For 2 weeks after that, I will be closely monitored at home and will visit the hospital regularly for testing.
- By the end of July, the risk of severe reactions are over, but I’m likely to face severe fatigue and my immune system will still be highly compromised.
- By the end of August, the fatigue is likely to pass and I should start feeling better.
Step 5: Life post-CAR-T
- By the end of October, my blood levels should be good enough that the strictest limitations can be lifted, but my immune system will be somewhat weak forever. Therefore, I’ll need to be more vigilant in avoiding sickness in the future.
Q: Bill, how are you feeling now?
Physically, very good. The past two months haven’t been that bad, except for about a week of severe discomfort due to radiation burns.
I’ve been able to golf, walk, go to the cottage and enjoy a relatively normal summer.
Emotionally, I’m just ready to get this over with. I’m not looking forward to living in the hospital, and being sick, but the sooner we start, the sooner it’s over.
Q: What’s the likelihood this will work?
The treatment will definitely attack and kill cancer within my body. Whether the cancer will come back is the bigger question.
From what I can tell, there is about a 50% chance I will be cured permanently. We’ll just keep praying that I’m in the right 50%, and if not, there are more treatments available, so it’s not the end of the road by any means. That said, getting it a third time would be a gut punch. I’m tired of this sh*t.
That said, Shirley and I are planning on being in the cured group.
Q: I’d like to learn more about CAR-T. Any suggestions?
There are lots of papers and videos online. The more you learn, the more amazing it is. Here are a couple videos that explain more.
You know we are routing for you and are sending lots of positive vibes your way!!
Continuing to pray for both of you my friends! Bill for healing, and Shirl for putting up with my grumpy old friend when you’re in the hospital! The Lord will provide. May God Bless your healing, your caregivers and your family.
Thanks for the update, Bill. Blessings for you and everyone involved; may almighty God bring His immense restorative power to your body and fill you with all of the strength you will need to endure this trial, emerge victorious, and glorify Him in the name of Jesus!
Bill, I think of Robin Robert’s GMA segment when she was going through her 2nd cancer treatment. She was not her usual bubbly self in the hospital. She was barely recognizable. I expect, you may not be your usual bubbly self for those 2 weeks….but once that sh*t is over, you will be rocking the red carpet and back to reporting about your walks….just like Robin. Cancer Strong! As usual, I pray for you and all cancer patients daily. Let’s hope July passes quickly for you. Love, Peggy (and Bill too)
Out of the blue I received a billonthecamino email – it’s been many months since I’ve seen one. Absolutely floored that the Famous Bill Wrobleski is battling cancer! I thought blisters were your biggest foe!
Know that absolutely positive karma is coming your way as you find the strength, humor and love to conquer cancer
Hi Bill! Sounds like you are approaching every step with a healthy dose of realism but also staying positive and optimistic for the future. That in itself is an accomplishment and no doubt boosts the immunity. Attitude is everything! Sorry I have been checked out of your journey… on one of my own as I pack up my life in Canada and head home to the US. But you have definitely been on my mind and I am hopeful for your full recovery! Cheers Lou
Bill, when i received the link this morning, my first thought was, where is he walking now? Then I read the post and my first thought was, Bill is walking with God and relying on His mercies. Bill, I am praying for you and for your family as you have to go through this episode of your life. Is there anything you want from Hawaii? Please let me know and would be happy to send a care package your way. My hawaii.edu email is still good so send me an address and would be happy to help send some cheer your way.
Keeping you in my prayers!
Martha Schmitt Coleman
Aloha Bill,
I wish you the very best in your recovery. My older sister is battling cancer and the treatments have been tough. Cancer sucks!
I also wanted to say that I have followed all your caminos and enjoyed really your daily blogs, watching your videos, and viewing your photos.
You are in my thoughts, my friend.
Hi Bill,
I was glad to receive an update on your latest leg of the Camino trail of life. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Ray’s been receiving immunotherapy for Metastatic Melanoma since last September. So far, he’s in the right 33%, responding successfully to treatment. As the partner-caregiver in our case, my support for self-care goes out to Shirley as well. Much love, Catherine
Bill, given your years as a Michigan fan I have faith that you can survive even the greatest challenges. (Yes, I am fully aware of the irony of an IU fan saying that.)
Yvonne and I wish you a speedy recovery. I think she wants you hale and hearty when I retire so you can drag me off to a long walk (off a short pier).
Hang in there. You have enough piss and vinegar to see you through, but if you run out, let me know…
Affectionately, your nemesis, Bob