In July 2010, my wife found a small pea size lump under her breast. What we thought was a cyst, or perhaps breast cancer. When biopsied in Sept. 2010, it turned out to be melanoma. Upon her initial pet scan, the Dr's discovered that it had already metastasized and spread to her lungs. Within 2 weeks, she began the IL-2 treatment. IL-2 is an immunotherapy designed to rev the immune system in order to fight off cancer. The side effects of which, include: diarrhea, nausea, excessive weight gain, cold chills, vomiting, skin rash and excessive itching. But needless to say, this is the worst that I have ever seen a human being go through and it lasted and entire week. Two weeks later, I got to see my wife go through it again for another week, 2 weeks after that again for another week, and again 2 weeks later. After which, there were some signs of the tumors decreasing in size.
By Dec. 2010, we moved to Goldsboro, NC. In Feb. 2011, she began GM-CSF treatment and by April, they discovered that the cancer had spread to her small intestines. At which point, she required surgery to remove 12 inches of her small intestine. GM-CSF was discontinued. Two weeks later, she had surgery to remove the original pea sized tumor which was now the size of a golf ball. In June, she began the Yervoy treatment, which is also an immunotherapy. As of Sept. 2011, two of the tumors inside her lungs have increased in size, yet the Dr's are hopeful that they will decrease by Dec.
Throughout the whole battle, Traci has remained strong in her faith and while I remain strong in mine it has caused a lot of stress for me and our families. More to come...
Jason, thank you for sharing. Wriing a blog has helped so many people cope with melanoma...while spreading word of this terrible disease. There is an abundance of information and some incredible people that will share in thoughts, prayers and support online. Feel free to check anyone in my links and visit my Facebook page at facebook.com/fightmelanoma. Our thoughts and crossed fingers are with Traci.
ReplyDeleteHi Jason,
ReplyDeletePrayers are being said for your warrior wife Traci. Best wishes to you both. As Al said, we are a community of warriors. We share our stories, we wipe each other's tears, we educate each other, and we are there for prayers and support. Check out my links and FB page Dodged a Bullet - Fight Against Melanoma. I have a blog as well: http://dodgedabulletmelanoma.blogspot.com/ Feel free to also e-mail at pzzazz@gmail.com
Thank you both, Traci and I have been though alot together, gods way of making us stronger. She is my best friend and my biggest supporter, as I am hers. She takes this walk not alone but with me by her side!
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