Posted on by Matt Rain

Season of Positrons

Bringing Ricky to his new Seattle apartment! He flew the coop, but still visits frequently.

We’re overdue for a little news of Dea! However, I’m mostly writing to report that a proper update is still a few days out.

As you may recall, a couple months have passed since Dea’s experimental CAR T-cell treatment, early results showed hopeful signs, and her primary assignment for this spring has been to pour energy into healing the pesky bone lesions that have so complicated her spine. The plan all along has been to re-evaluate the impact of her immunotherapy at 30, 60, and 90 days, and so today Dea went “back into the tube” for some positron emission tomography. Her team will be running tests and analyzing results over the next few days.

In Dea’s telling, it has been a blessing to get a couple months’ break from chemotherapies this spring, in order to give that CAR T therapy a chance to work deeply. It has also been a blessing to spend the season in the Pacific Northwest, to be with Peter and Ricky, and to weave the love, support (and food!) of so many good friends into this chapter. While all of those blessings rule the moment, she wanted to send love and thanks. Looking forward to test results that should come next week, Dea says she’s “feeling hopeful.” But it’s so darned hard to wait for these updates.

Dea asked me to send her pledge that she’ll post updates through this website as soon as she has news from the week’s testing. Over the next few days she’s going to be focused on that process, and so she won’t have much headspace for texting, etc. — as much as she is holding everyone in her heart and in her prayers.

Dea, we are holding you in hearts and prayers, as well. Together we lean in and go forward. We’re with you.

19 Replies to “Season of Positrons”

  1. Hi Dea, we’re celebrating Chip’s 56th birthday today with. Key lime pie and craft beer and fire pit session. Only 2 more days till school holidays! Love and miss you!

    Leet and Chip x

  4. Love you DEA. Sending you so much healing energy. We got a puppy about 2 months ago. She is a feisty Samoyed puppy and we named her Olwen after the Welsh goddess of white Hawthorn blossoms. Sending lots of hugs and kisses!

  5. Aloha and sending you good energy from the Big Island, we will be raising a Monkey Pod Mai Tai toast to your successful treatment tonight … I hope you will find some cooling water to float in this weekend! 😍❤️

  6. You’re in our hearts and our thoughts for good news! In the meantime, hope the California girl in you is resting up during these doggone hot days to find herself playing in the soil soon or running barefoot in the grass before we know it!!
    We’re sending all our love to you and the guys.
    Always,
    Debs & Erik

  7. Dea Darlin! Sending strength, stamina & positive energy to you, my friend. I started a new 3-month job producing Seattle Humane’s Tuxes & Tails Gala in September so very busy months ahead BUT when you are up for a visit I would like to venture over to Bainbridge for some quality time with you & the boys – if they’re around! xoxox

  9. Hi Dea. Think of you often and so appreciate the update. I envision you afloat with your gigantic warm smile and sparkling eyes.
    XOXO, Caroline

    1. Holding you up as part of your amazing mycorrhizal support network! Please let me know if I can help you at all, as you know I am often out and about and I’m happy to pick up and deliver anything from Costco Goods to a drive-by hello. I know you are taking excellent care of yourself and your family and AF. You’ve got this! Keep cool.

  15. We love you, Dea! And thank you for these updates. Here’s to you and wishing you all the best from your fellow board members and friends at Father Ken’s Vineyard. xoxo

  16. The Tologs are wishing you doubly good positron energy blasts from the past as we approach our 50th reunion with classes ‘70 and ‘71 in tow. We want to see you in sunny CA this fall. 🙏

Leave a Reply