There is hope

In late December 2010 I was seen by a local dermatologist which promptly removed a rather large oozing lesion from my chest.  Within days the tissue was confirmed as melanoma and I was referred to UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia for further evaluation.

In late December 2010 I was seen by a local dermatologist which promptly removed a rather large oozing lesion from my chest.  Within days the tissue was confirmed as melanoma and I was referred to UVA Medical Center in Charlottesville, Virginia for further evaluation.   Inside of 10 days I was seen by a surgeon who ordered up some blood work and a sentinel node procedure.  The following morning he would perform a wide excision to remove more tissue (increase the margins) and two lymph nodes were also removed from my arm pit.  Within a week I would be told no residual from the tissue and the nodes were negative—GREAT NEWS!  The waiting time and the time spent thinking was very brutal to my emotional wellbeing.

By August 2011 I had gotten multiple doctor visits (every 3 months) and all was looking good and I was feeling great.

The first week of October 2011 I noticed a “hardness” on my chest.  I contacted UVA with my observation and they wanted to see me ASAP.  Within an hour of being seen it was confirmed that the melanoma had indeed returned.  I was setup for some tests to include a brain MRI, full body CT scan, and various blood tests.  I was advised that you can expect more of the same once we get everything scheduled for you and a return visit to review all the results.  Yes indeed this meant more waiting and lots more thinking–UGHHHH.

I was mentally prepared for surgery until the surgeon advised me that they “see” some nodules in my right lung needing further study (more tests…more waiting).  We need to know what these “spots” are before we can proceed with surgery—a thoracic surgeon is brought in to the picture and a single biopsy later it is confirmed that my melanoma had indeed traveled to my right lung.  Yes you got it…lots more waiting and lots more thinking.  How do I tell this to my kids?

I now get referred to another doctor within the Oncology department to take a comprehensive “full-body” approach.  You got it…more waiting and more thinking.  Researching this type of cancer is a humbling experience and very much information overload.

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My new doctor was very much ready to review my history, discussed treatment options, and helped to formulate our plan of action—Interleukin II (IL-2).  We were convinced that keeping the “spot” on my chest was an important part of our plan as it could easily be measured to document progress.  After multiple tests, more tests, and multiple doctor discussions: it was decided (1 day before getting admitted on 2 different occasions) that I was not a good candidate for IL-2.  We re-grouped and now set our sights on Yervoy a.k.a. ipi.  You got it…more waiting and more thinking.  Research at this point is depressing yet I am still trying to remain positive.  Bring on what you got—I’ve been ready to fight this for months!

Round 1 of ipi was a 90 minute walk in the park.  The staff was friendly and my family very supportive.  No noted side effects.

A great Christmas gift noted after only 18 days from getting Round 1.  The Spot on my chest is measured down in size (17%) in just 17 days (1 3/8” in diameter / down to 1-1/4”)—WOW!

Round 2 of ipi goes smooth—hooked it up and put it in.  No side effects noted and I feel very good about the positive progress—seen in days not months.  Doctor is very happy with progress!

I am sitting here a little less than a week from Round 3 and the spot on my chest that was once obviously showing through my shirts to being slightly larger than when I first noticed it 14 weeks ago.  Positive thoughts are much easier to come by and I remain very humbled.    

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I continue to hold on to hope and to maintain a positive attitude.  I continue to fight this battle the best way that I can—I rest when it’s time to rest and I try to pay close attention to my body.  Best wishes to my fellow Melanoma Warriors as we poise ourselves to fight this awful disease!