"Peace I leave with you: my peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27
Today was filled with mixed emotions. I have been so anxious to begin some kind of attack and was finally able to do that. I met with Dr. Linette for the first time as his patient. We had actually met before when my son-in-law, Brian, was fighting his battle with cancer.
Eddie and I were leaning toward the option of ipilimumab...the new 'miracle drug' for melanoma....and finalized that decision as we talked with Dr. Linette. He is very confident that I meet the qualifications to get in this clinical trial and I pray he is right! We began the testing process today and will continue in the next two weeks. I will get my first treatment on July 13th if all goes through. Ipilimumab (called ipi for short) is an infusion I will get every 3 weeks for 12 weeks. There will be more tests and scans then to check my response. It is possible to do another round if necessary and my body continues to hold up.
The drug has very few side effects and the majority of people can continue with much of their daily lives. There are some (about 20%) who have a harder time. My sister, Karen, says its about my turn to get on some of the good end of the odds!
Meanwhile, I have been busy with many good 'events' as I've waited for all of this to get started. We were able to get special pictures of us with all 10 (yes, you read correctly, TEN) of the grandkids (Heather's Father Day present to Eddie), I have seen Kaden's T-ball games, been to Logan's 1st birthday party where we saw all of our grandkids, watched Lilly over the weekend, been able to spend time with Mason and Ava.....do you see a trend here? Our grandkids are very important to us! Tomorrow, though, is adult time...it's Karen's birthday (I won't tell which one!) and Mom, Karen and I are spending the day together. Life goes on!! (Thank goodness!)
Eddie & I
The Love of My Life
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
June 30, 2010.....Hope in today's first step of battle
My mom wrote the poem below when I was little and I always 'pray it' when I have a big day ahead of me. Seeing my new Dr. today...hoping to get started on the new fight with my cancer! All of your thoughts and prayers are appreciated so much...can't describe how much strength Eddie and I get from them
"Lord help me through this day. Lead me and guide me all the way. Teach me to pray, help me to say, things that would please you come what may." --- Jean Finley
June 23, 2010....EXPECT MIRACLES
...."God is our refuge and strength an ever - present help in times of trouble"
Psalm 46:1
With many of my support group present - we met w/Dr Anderson to discuss treatment options.
As Dr Anderson explains to us while there is no medical cure - the treatment approach he recommends is a more moderate approach - geared to slowing the cancer down while keeping a quality to life. He explains it’s important for me to move forward making plans doing some things important to me (a special trip, etc)
Another aggressive treatment approach that would have to be done at Bethesda, MD is a possible option IF I would be accepted into the clinical trial but he cautions us - Pointing out my overall health condition has been compromised from the last aggressive round of treatment which causes concern as to how I would hold up in this approach through 3 - 6 months treatment. The quality of life would be very compromised due to high toxicity levels involved in this treatment.
I explain that I feel a strong desire to fight but at the same time, a strong desire to keep a decent quality as a priority. I hope everyone that loves me, and this affects understand that sometimes quality is more important than quantity. It’s important to me that I’m well enough to make some new great memories that include others I love so much.
Psalm 46:1
With many of my support group present - we met w/Dr Anderson to discuss treatment options.
As Dr Anderson explains to us while there is no medical cure - the treatment approach he recommends is a more moderate approach - geared to slowing the cancer down while keeping a quality to life. He explains it’s important for me to move forward making plans doing some things important to me (a special trip, etc)
Another aggressive treatment approach that would have to be done at Bethesda, MD is a possible option IF I would be accepted into the clinical trial but he cautions us - Pointing out my overall health condition has been compromised from the last aggressive round of treatment which causes concern as to how I would hold up in this approach through 3 - 6 months treatment. The quality of life would be very compromised due to high toxicity levels involved in this treatment.
I explain that I feel a strong desire to fight but at the same time, a strong desire to keep a decent quality as a priority. I hope everyone that loves me, and this affects understand that sometimes quality is more important than quantity. It’s important to me that I’m well enough to make some new great memories that include others I love so much.
June 16, 2010 - The fight is on again....
"... Put on the whole armour of God....."Ephesians 6:11
Today is the day I couldn’t be prepared for in receiving news that none of us - including the dr expected...the cancer is back and back w/a vengeance. Scans reveal several spots ranging from the size of a pencil eraser to half dollar in size in the liver as well as spots in the sternum lymph nodes, and left lung. Putting on the armor of God.....all things are possible!
"... Put on the whole armour of God....."Ephesians 6:11
Today is the day I couldn’t be prepared for in receiving news that none of us - including the dr expected...the cancer is back and back w/a vengeance. Scans reveal several spots ranging from the size of a pencil eraser to half dollar in size in the liver as well as spots in the sternum lymph nodes, and left lung. Putting on the armor of God.....all things are possible!
Finally - New posts on their way
I’m sorry in the delay of posting these blogs...this is all new to me, but I
I plan to use this forum (along w/periodically asking family/friends for their help) to keep you updated with how I’m doing, treatments and any needs we may encounter.
A couple of things I’d like for each of you to remember is ‘Our God is an awesome God’ HE is the ultimate physician and with confidence and peace, I know He is in complete control of the situation and outcome. My sincere prayer is each of you remember that while we pray and EXPECT MIRACLES.
I plan to use this forum (along w/periodically asking family/friends for their help) to keep you updated with how I’m doing, treatments and any needs we may encounter.
A couple of things I’d like for each of you to remember is ‘Our God is an awesome God’ HE is the ultimate physician and with confidence and peace, I know He is in complete control of the situation and outcome. My sincere prayer is each of you remember that while we pray and EXPECT MIRACLES.
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Financial Assistance for Cancer Patients
Does anybody out there have access to information about grants or medical assistance programs available to families of cancer patients? I have recently been diagnosed with a recurrence of Stage IV Melanoma for which I may have to travel for treatments. I would appreciate any information anyone can offer.
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