It’s the day after I received the infusion of the KLN-1010 Phase 1 trial product. So far everything is going along as well as it could. I slept well last night (the Benedryl drowsiness won out over the dexamethasone buzz), except for being awoken at 11:30 pm and then again at 4:30 am for checks and blood draws.
So far I haven’t had any symptoms from the infusion. The trial team stopped by today and confirmed my suspicion that because the CAR-T cells would be created by the viral vector over time, it was more likely that any symptoms would show up later in the week. The only slight glitch is that I’ve gained 5 pounds of water weight from the fluids they are infusing. Nothing like before my 2018 stem cell transplant, when the little infusion machine they called the “baby” (which I had to take home, sleep with, and shower with) put 35 pounds of water weight on me in three days, making me look like the Michelin Man, until they gave me diuretic and I peed it all out.
The explanation that the nurse gave for the water weight gain was that liquids infused into your system aren’t as easily excreted as liquids that go into your intestines. I asked why they bothered giving the liquid infusions, and she said that must people don’t drink enough liquids, so they need the infusions in the hospital. I drink a lot of water so I probably don’t. At any rate, they did reduce my liquid infusion rate so hopefully that helps. I don’t want another super-blimp experience.
Suzie had good news — her membership at the East Bay YMCA gives her the ability to use the Palo Alto YMCA without charge. She went this morning before coming to the hospital. She said it was very nice, more like a club than a traditional “Y”, and she enjoyed her workout. It’ll make her month down here much more tolerable.
As you can tell, not much news to report. I’m doing fine, and hoping that continues. I leave you with a picture Suzie took while I was doing laps on the ward, wearing my new “Joe’s Place” t-shirt courtesy of my friend Randy Boyd, who bought it especially for the occasion.
Categories: Blogging
Gaining a little water weight is ok Steve. This will help you on your road to recovery. Keep strong!
Looking good Steve! Keep it up!