Life saving cancer procedure at MD Anderson TX.
Donation protected
Hi, my name is Charles Serra on October 15th 2012 I was diagnosed with a rare Bone Marrow Cancer named Multiple Myeloma. The genetic make up (P17 Deletion) is what makes it rare with a survival rate of only 3.6 years.
Over the past 11 years I had 2 Stem Cell transplants at MD Anderson Houston Tx. in efforts to extend my life. The two Stem Cell Transplants came at extreme costs to me, requiring weekly 2 -3 drug maintenance chemotherapy.
Each Stem Cell transplant required a 45 day recovery period in Houston TX with daily clinic visits with the Stem Cell transplant oncologist. Since my diagnosis I have visited MDA every 3 months for comprehensive evaluation of the progression of Multiple Myeloma.
Since my diagnosis in October 2012 I have incurred an average of $35,000 a year in medical expenses.
Post transplant medical follow up at MD Anderson is every 3 months at a cost of approximately $2500.00 per trip for cancer evalution. I made in excess of 48 round trips reaching a staggering cost of over $100,000.
Over the past 12 years my body has rejected 4 cancer fighting chemotheraphy regiment
My "only option available at this time is a Car T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) Just out of Clinical trial and is now offered to high risk Myeloma patients.
Brief medical explaination of Car T.
Blood is taken from the patient and sent to a genetic laboratory. T-cells from the blood go through a gene transfer to change the DNA of the cells. These cells are CarT modified cells. The modified cells are infused into the body to fight the cancer cells in the bone Marrow.
The Car-T procedure requires a 7-10 day hospital stay. The procedure also requires the patient to stay in Houston for 45 additional stays with a Caregiver that has medical experience, preferably a RN.
The post Car-T requires daily visits to the Myeloma Clincic for evaluation and post side effects review that can be life threatening, consequently close follow up is essential to the success.
Explanation of Costs Associated with CarT
- Airfare and Hotel costs for patient and caregiver. estimated cost $5,000.00
- Two trips to Houston TX. Car-t procedure evaluation prior to procedure.
CarT procedure cost
- 45 days hotel @ $160.00 daily $7200.00
- 45 Daily round trip transportation to MD Anderso, $60.00 daily $2700.00
- Food costs: Uber eats 45 days $75.00 a day. $3375.00
Post Car-T procedure evaluation protocol requires a comprehensive evaluation of the procedure every 2 months at MD Anderson, Houston TX. To monitor the effectiveness of the DNA transfered T-cells (lymphocytes)
Associated cost to post Car-T therapy
- 12 Airfare flights per visit for patient and caregiver. Each visit requires 5 days of evaluation per visit, that's 12 visits with each having a 5 day stay. Approximately, 60 days of Lodging @ $160.00 per night $9600.00
- Uber trips to MD Anderson hospital is approximately $60 00 daily total cost $3600.00
- Daily food expenses $75.00 daily for 60 days is approximately $4500.00
- Monthly oral chemotherapy (promalylast $1200.00 month for 12 months is $14,400. This is my copayment for the promolyst.
- Local cancer treatment at Lynn Cancer Center in Boca Raton is every week, (52 chemotherapy sessions yearly. Over 609 treatment sessions over 12 years
- Monthly doctor follow up visits Boca Raton.
Oncologist 12
Phlebotomy services 38 blood collection
Cardiology 6
Nephrologist 4
Projected cost $56,634.00. This projection is based on a 2 year cost expenditures for follow CarT visits
The projected cost could easily reach an additional cost when we calculate the cost for 3 to 4 years post Cart procedure. No one can factor in the cost of complications that may arrise for this rationale I'm requesting $100,000 in donations.
Background.
I was diagnosed October 2012 with stage 3 Myeloma. I was shocked when advised of the diagnosis. I was forced to go on Disbility leaving the medical profession as a (medical technologist ) that I worked for 37 years. I was unable to return to work because of the intense oncology treatments, and the total loss of my immune system. Consequent, I lost my income for 12 plus years and paid all Healthcare premiums.
History
While employed at Boca Raton Community Hospital my wife an I had 3 children 2 girls and a boy and now have 2 grandchildren 10, 7, and 1 on the way
They are my life, my family inspires me to fight this disease. I see them almost everyday, it's up lifting to get into the fight to stay with them longer. I pray to the lord daily to assist me in the fight
Please, if you can find it in your heart to make a donation I will be eternal grateful to have extra time with my family that I love so dearly.
Thank you and God bless, please help,any donation will be appreciated.
Charles Serra
,
Organizer
Charles Serra
Organizer
Boca Raton, FL