Terry Flanagan

Welcome to our Caring Bridge website. We are using it to keep family and friends updated in one place. We appreciate your support and words of hope and encouragement. Thank you for visiting.

Brief history of Terry's journey so far....
Almost 3 1/2 year's ago Terry began having some health issues that included abnormal blood work, specifically anemia, without being iron deficient. He also experienced pain in his ribs, back, and shoulders. Fatigue and difficulty breathing after exercise was another indicator of some potential health concern. Terry’s primary physician recommended an appointment with a hematologist, scheduled for January. Due to increased pain and fatigue a CT scan was ordered sooner, showing probable diagnosis of Multiple Myeloma. A bone marrow biopsy confirmed the diagnosis at the end of January. After 4 months of a regimen of out patient chemo injections, bone strengthening injections and oral medications, (and prayers!) we received the great news that Terry was in remission.

Terry’s remission and overall good health allowed us to progress to the next phase of the healing process. The Seidman Cancer Center, a part of University Hospitals, scheduled for a stem cell transplant on July 26, 2019.   Stem Cells were harvested from Terry's own blood stream , and frozen. Prior to the stem cell transplant, Terry was given a strong dose of Chemo on July 25, 2019, causing his immune system to be wiped clean along with any remaining cancer cells. His harvested stem cells were reintroduced into his body on July 26, 2019. He remained in the hospital for 2 1/2 weeks while his new stem cells began to rebuild his immune system.


Fast forward to late December of 2020.  Terry received the disappointing news that he was no longer in remission and he had a high risk disease.   A new therapy was prescribed and it was back to work.  In February of 2021, Terry was invited to participate in a research study.   The study came to an end when Terry sneezed and fractured a rib. Terry's fractured rib was considered a pathological fracture, due to disease in the bone.  The doctor confirmed disease progression.  In June of 2021, a therapy was prescribed for Terry that was proven to be effective for aggressive forms of Multiple Myeloma.  The new prescribed therapy has in fact been very effective.  Terry has been going for chemotherapy infusion for one year.  His cancer 
numbers are very low and he has been in remission since October of 2021.  


In January of  2022, Terry was invited to an appointment with his oncologist to discuss the possibilities of a CAR T-cell therapy.  Terry recognized this opportunity was a gift from God.  He was in remission for an extended amount of time and he is still young and healthy enough to participate.  Terry was put on a waiting list and was informed in May he was chosen to receive the CAR T-cell therapy in June.  


This brings us to where we are today.  Terry was admitted to The Seidman Cancer Center on June 29, 2022.         

We are sharing our story to help educate on this disease, ask for prayers, and of course keep all Terry's family and friends updated on his progress. Thanks in advance for your prayers and caring thoughts.

Ann Marie Flanagan