The Fight Has Begun

"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!)