Gina Byrne's Battle for Life and Family

Friday, January 10, 2024

Gina has news to share since our last update. Yesterday she received a phone call from Dr. Macaroon at Minnesota Health Fairview in Minneapolis. In preparing for her planned CAR-T cell therapy, a very in-depth genetic study was done. Dr. Macaroon told her three genetic mutations were found in her immune system. Knowing this was unexpectedly rare, he consulted with doctors at M Health as well as outside of their group. The consensus was akin to the one Gina received from her Mayo hematology/oncology doctors months ago. Her case is unique and extremely rare.

However, having made this discovery, the geneticists may finally have discovered the root cause of Gina's diseases, both cancer and CIDP. She will NOT be having the CAR-T cell therapy because doctors at M Health and Mayo believe the genetic mutations could render it useless. She has now been qualified for the original clinical trial her Oncologist in Oshkosh recommended her for. Monday Gina and her dad will drive to Minneapolis to complete her consultation and paperwork to participate in the clinical trial.

At this time, we know Gina will have an infusion once a week for three weeks in Minneapolis followed by seven weeks of observation at home. This cycle will repeat itself at least twice.

We continue on this journey with Gina. There have been many twists and turns, false starts and re-starts. Through it all, Gina has been supported by your generosity and especially your thoughts and prayers. We thank you all. Best wishes,

Gina, Rick and Family