It’s been a busy summer and I just didn’t want to ruin the fun by using up any summer minutes writing about cancer. So I didn’t! Now, so much has happened, that I really need to get caught up here. I’ll try to keep it as short as possible. I’ll begin with a timeline and then fill it in with a few comments.
- June 8 through June 12 – low-dose radiation treatments to my lungs
- June 18 – oncology clinic and Keytruda infusion
- June 20 through June 27 – Topsail Beach vacation!!
- July 9 – oncology clinic and Keytruda infusion (and James Taylor concert!!)
- July 11 – 5K (I finished last) and swim party with all the kiddos
- July 16 – brain MRI
- July 19 through August 2 – our Alaskan adventure!
- August 6 – Keytruda infusion
- August 25 – PET scan
- August 26 – oncology clinic, femur x-rays, and Keytruda infusion
Coming up:
- August 31 – brain MRI and scheduling radiation
- September 1 – scheduling gamma knife treatment (probably)
- September 16 – oncology clinic and Keytruda infusion (every 3 weeks for as long as it’s effective)
The radiation treatments really knocked me back down to sofa duty, eliminated my appetite, effected my swallowing, and just had me feeling generally sick for a good two weeks. I still had no energy and no appetite at the beginning of our beach vacation, but the ocean and grandchildren have healing powers and I was back to myself by the end of the week. The vacation was fabulous, and so was James Taylor!
My family and a lot of friends did a 5K for melanoma research. I finished last, but I did it – pretty remarkable! It really shows that you have to keep moving, no matter what. I felt the effects for days, but it was worth it.
The July 16th brain MRI showed a new spot in the very same area as the one that got zapped June 4th. The doctor believed it was from the same incident and wanted to wait to see if any others appeared before he scheduled me for another gamma knife treatment. OK by us – it’s not something you want to do more times than necessary.
Our 2-week Alaskan adventure was one of the best trips ever! We saw such amazing scenery and animals/birds/plants and did so much! We had such a blast and, with all the walking we did, I felt stronger every day. On July 31st, I did another 5K, felt so much stronger, and saw a whale just behind the ship (and was NOT last!).
This week’s PET scan had mixed results, but it was an encouraging report overall. The difference in my body’s scan appearance from May 21st to Monday is quite remarkable and gives us a lot of hope! The lungs are much improved, but the pelvis lymph node and the tumor on my lower right leg are still active, and I have a new sclerotic lesion on the head of my left femur (thigh) bone. My oncologist explained that size and activity of metastases will increase as they’re being attacked by Keytruda, so I can expect to see a mixed result. He said that it’s important to stay the course, because he believes the treatment is working! He ordered x-rays to take a closer look at my femur and, after I told him I wanted my leg tumor removed, ordered radiation to attack it. The combination of radiation and Keytruda seems to increase effectiveness.
After Monday’s brain MRI and meeting with radiology, and Tuesday’s meeting to review the MRI results, I’ll know my schedule regarding radiation and gamma knife treatments.
I’m still following a vegan diet as closely as I can, and I have lost more weight (now down 40 pounds and a full dress size or two). I feel great and I love fitting into clothes I haven’t worn for years! Hope is a wonderful feeling!!
We have been through so many ups and downs, but keep each other strong. Thank you for your continued positive thoughts and prayers! They help to keep me strong when I’m struggling to feel well, and keep my hopes and faith high. I’m fighting strong because of you!!
Isolated Limb Perfusion: My Experience 