The Backup Plan to the Backup Plan

When one door closes, we kick open another.

After learning that traditional CAR T wasn’t an option, our oncologist called us with the news. And let’s just say—he was just as shocked as we were. CD19 negative? He definitely wasn’t expecting that. But what stood out the most in that conversation wasn’t the bad news—it was his determination.

He didn’t waver. He didn’t say, “Well, this is it.” Instead, he immediately started thinking outside the box, determined to find another way. And for that, I am so incredibly grateful.

One of the reasons I trust my oncologist so much is that he’s not just treating me with a standard protocol—he’s constantly collaborating with experts in the field, doing his own research, and staying ahead of the latest advancements. He’s creative in his planning, relentless in his approach, and always looking for the best path forward, even when the road disappears.

After talking through our situation, he told us he needed a few days to go back to the drawing board. He wanted time to explore options, talk to colleagues, and find something that could work.

And while he was doing that, so were we.

We started searching for clinical trials—specifically for non-CD19 CAR T options. We found a few in different parts of the country, each with its own unique approach. None of them were guaranteed, but at least we weren’t out of options.

A few days later, we met with our oncologist at the clinic. This time, he had more to share. He had spent time discussing my case with his team, and again, he was hopeful.

He presented us with several non-traditional treatment options—ones that, while not standard, showed real promise. But because my cancer was so aggressive, we couldn’t afford to wait.

So, we came up with a temporary plan.

Step one: Start a targeted chemotherapy plus steroid treatment immediately to shrink and stabilize the disease while we finalized the plan.

On Thursday, in the middle of the treatment, we learned what would come next.

The current plan:

A combination of bispecific antibodies and intense chemotherapy for a few weeks to significantly attack the disease.

This plan isn’t set in stone—it will evolve based on my body's response. But right now, this is our best shot. And if needed, we have other options waiting in the wings.

Potential next steps:

• A CAR T-cell clinical trial that targets different antigens.

• A stem cell transplant if my body responds well to treatment.

• A targeted combination therapy depending on how my cancer reacts.

So here we are. The plan keeps changing, but our hope remains.

This fight isn’t over—not even close.

Prayer Requests and Reflections

Prayer Requests

• That God grants us clarity and strength in the decisions ahead.

• For healing, peace, and endurance as we navigate this next chapter.

• That our hearts remain anchored in hope and trust in God's plan, even when it feels impossible.

• For wisdom and guidance for my medical team, that they make the right choices for my treatment.

• That my body responds well to the treatments with complete remission.

Songs That Have Carried Me

• "The Detour" – Sarah Kroger

• "What I Really Need" – Bryan Fowler

• "Don't Give Up on Me" – Andy Grammer

• "Hold on" – Katy Nichole

Scripture That Sustains Me

• Isaiah 41:10 – "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand."

• 2 Corinthians 12:9 – "My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."

• Romans 8:18 – "I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us."

• Philippians 4:13– "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."

Words That People Have Told Me That Have Touched Me

• "You are not alone in this battle—there is an army of love lifting you up in prayer."

• "May the God who made the universe and every single cell in your body bring you comfort and healing."

• "Yes, my heart's dear one, Jesus, is here with His cross. Since you are one of His favorites, he wants to make you into His likeness; why be afraid that you will not have the strength to carry this cross without a struggle? On the way to Calvary, Jesus did indeed fall three times and you, poor little child, would like to be different from your spouse, would rather not fall a hundred times if necessary to prove your love to Him by getting back up with even more strength before your fall!" -St. Therese of Lisieux

With all my love,

Blessy