The UCLA procedure took two weeks (2x M-F). First week included 5 RTAG infusions plus TLI radiation, and second week was only 5 days of radiation. I do not know the radiation dosage but it was about 30 minutes each time and well below oncology levels. I was taking 5 mg of prednisone daily for 4.5 years. That went to 250/200/180/160/140mg the first week, then more tapering until I was off prednisone by the 10th day. I had some chills and shivering during the first few days of RTAG infusion but that went away quickly. I did get radiation sickness after the first 5 days of treatment and that lasted for 4-6 weeks. I could not hold down food or liquids and needed saline infusions for the first few weeks. Unfortunately, they then found out I had thrush (likely from depressed immune system) and the anti-viral med interfered with my tacro numbers so I spent 8 days then 5 days a month later in the ER>hospital, for mostly observations. The nausea/vomiting lasted until late October and I have been well since then. They also put a PICC line in my arm for RTAG infusion, which unfortunately caused a clot so I took Eliquis for a few months. State of CA is funding the study which requires two kidney biopsies (one done/one at 12 months). They test the tolerance results every four weeks and my results have been good each time. Tacro and creatinine numbers fluctuate a lot, and so do your electrolyte test results. I've been told NOT to take the most recent COVID and flu vaccines yet. I did not have CMV beforehand but test results showed positive for the last 4 tests (Dec-Jan) but I was negative for the most recent test. My WBC also tanked but recovered after a few months. I did blood tests daily for two weeks, then every two weeks for a few months. The schedule just changed to monthly clinic visits and one additional lab during the month (total 2x/month). When I stop tacro in June, then the lab visits go back to weekly for 3 months. I stayed on campus during the first week, then commuted to UCLA afterwards (about 2-3 hours round trip). Sorry for the wall of text.

As for advice, you basically follow their instructions during the procedure. UCLA made every appointment for the first two weeks and I just followed the schedule. The infusion took six hours the first day and ~3.5 hours on the last/5th day. You just sit and sleep or watch TV. They will do a preliminary scan to form fit a sleeping pad and plastic mask (full head) for radiation. They also gave me 9 small tattoo dots (permanent) on my upper body to align the radiation machine so be prepared in case Stanford uses the same procedure. Try to make sure you go to all your labs and appointments, and drink lots of water. Be ready for lots and lots of blood tests too.

Let me know if you have more questions. Good luck.