If you followed The University of Michigan baseball team in the last couple of weeks, you watched one of the last four teams in the country make it into the NCAA Regional. The 17-6 drubbing against Creighton June 3 propelled the Wolverines to an eventual best of three series in the Super Regional against the No. 1 team in the country, UCLA. In that Super Regional, each game increased with intensity as UM became tougher and more resilient. Eventually, the Wolverine prevailed in Game 3, 4-2. The win sends UM to Omaha for the first time since 1984 to play in the College World Series. Then and now, those men are learning a very important life-long lesson. Attitude will always be the biggest part of any game if a team plans on going very far. Going above and beyond one’s expectations is the only way to succeed. And, working together for something bigger than themselves will always outweigh individual play.

Last week, after we heard there was no hope in our search for remission, our doctors walked in with a more positive attitude the following day. Continuing to research the drug Besponsa and administering the first dose, the counts and inflammatory markers were making dramatical changes. What the doctors saw as a remedy that would allow us to make it home, we hoped it was much more. Optimism was building and our “win it all” attitude was back. Going home was postponed though. They needed to keep Dave in the hospital for close observation for another week, and the staff planned to administer one more dose. Thanks to The University of Washington Medical Center, the $60,000 per dose infusions were gratis. Note: Surprisingly, Dave was in no pain yet.

The inflammatory markers continued to drop and showed great promise. We walked two miles a day around the seventh floor, whether he wanted to or not. He drank high-calorie shakes, ate deep fried chicken wings and waffle fries several times. I know what you are thinking. He would have never done that in the past. But in his present condition, he was willing to do whatever it was going to take to make it home. He needed to get stronger, gain weight and wait for his counts to recover. But, late on the fourth day after the infusion, Dave seemed off and not himself. 

He dozed on and off through the seventh and eighth inning of the University of Michigan’s big win over the Bruins. He did see the final inning, and couldn’t be prouder of UM exceeding all expectations. The following day, when we should have been celebrating that win, we experienced our worst day ever. Dave was confused, restless and unable to focus. He could not recall the day, the year, the season, the city we were in or even tell you what time it was on the wall clock. In a matter of three days, he dropped 19 pounds. Frightening. Toxicity was in high gear. Still important and puzzling to note -no pain.

Looking back to May 8 when the CAR T-Cells were infused, we carefully watched for side effects for the first 7-14 days. There was absolutely no CRS or neurotoxicity observed and the only side effect he experienced was fatigue. Oddly enough, 33 days after that infusion, when we had all but given up, the team suspected a late appearance of CRS and neurotoxicity. Not only unusual, it was unheard of. Tests were performed to confirm the diagnosis. The CAR T-Cells showed up late to the game. Very late. With this new information, tandem treatment might be the turning point for this awful disease. Imagine how many people this may help in the future. Exciting.

The two agents seem to be teaming. Now, 35 days into the game, the doctors are hopeful that the CAR T-Cells are doing what they were intended to do. Maybe the burden was too heavy for them in the beginning. Maybe the Besponsa gave them the kick they needed to begin to work. They are unsure at this time because both treatments are still so new. One thing is for sure. We are still praying for a miracle and complete healing. 

Just like the UM baseball team, the chances of winning at all costs are increasing every day. Dave’s counts continue to improve. He is still pain-free and gaining strength and we are preparing to come home on Saturday. The doctors are hopeful that the CAR T-Cells and Besponsa continue to compliment each other as they batter the cancer from both dugouts. 

Finally, GO BLUE!