tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67292624842401380402024-03-14T01:20:18.346-05:00Just Another Bump in the Road - Melanoma My husband Steve was diagnosed with Stage IV Melanoma in January of 2012. When he was diagnosed, we immediately began reading melanoma blogs to help get an idea on what to expect with treatment, treatment options, to have some hope, etc. We are hoping that our blog will offer these things to others in return. Please follow sun safety! Use your sunscreen! DO NOT USE TANNING BEDS! Check your skin, and see a dermatologist annually. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger97125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-74881950844645404742020-07-22T22:50:00.000-05:002020-07-22T22:52:45.407-05:002020 Update!!!!I have been SOOOOO bad on updating this blog. I am so sorry, but also, I just have nothing new to write about! Steve went to MD Anderson for labs and scans in June and they were clear!! That makes SEVEN years clear! Other than that, we really dont have too much new to blog about. Our oldest daughter Sadie was a senior this past school year. She missed out on lots of senior year traditions, but in the big picture, everything was still ok. Steve saw her graduate!! He wasnt even supposed to see her get out of middle school! Life is good!!! She is moving on to college in just a few weeks. My momma heart is hurting, but I am so proud!<br />
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I still get so many messages from those that are<br />
newly diagnosed and looking for inspiration. If you are here and looking for inspiration, I am SO glad you found us! Keep in mind that melanoma treatments are improving everyday, and try to keep a positive attitude! I KNOW that is so hard! But try! You can do it!<br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com50tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-51146794641889365382017-06-01T14:19:00.000-05:002017-06-01T14:21:41.881-05:00Still NED ~ Scan Graduation It has been so long since I have updated! Steve had his 6 month scans last week at MD Anderson. The results came back that he is still NED (No Evidence of Disease)! He has been NED for 32 months now! His doctor, Dr. Patrick Hwu said the likelihood at this point that the melanoma returns is very low. He would like Steve to now move to annual scans. I think I am having a harder time accepting that than Steve! Steve is happy to only have to go once a year. Understandably, he HATES going and also has to miss 2 days of work for scans/results every 6 months. I know he needs to keep his RAD count down, but annual scans are just scary to me! It is just an adjustment and I am sure all will be fine.<br />
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Steve went this week to his dermatologist, Dr. Duvic, at MD Anderson. They have photos on file of all of his moles. She noticed some change in pigmentation in one of his moles. She did a punch biopsy on that and we will get the results probably sometime next week. Crossing our fingers that it doesn't come back as a new primary (he had an unknown primary the first time). <br />
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Other than that, life is good! Today was the last day of 9th grade for our oldest and the last day of 1st grade for our youngest. Steve is in Las Vegas for a friends Bachelor party. We're just living life! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com27tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-39422904856427578402015-05-28T21:15:00.001-05:002015-05-28T21:15:17.755-05:0020 months NED!!!I apologize to my blog followers for being such a crappy blogger lately!!! I haven't blogged in months!! I have received messages on Facebook from readers wanting to know if
everything was ok with Steve since I haven't blogged lately. Everything is
indeed good! Steve is now 20 months NED!! We have had so much going on in our family that it's been easier just to skip blogging. I keep my family and friends updated, but I know I have so many readers that don't use Facebook and/or aren't friends with me on Facebook. So, I do apologize! <br />
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On May 13, 2015 Steve received the results from his latest scans....NED....No Evidence of Disease!!! Steve's doctor, <a href="http://faculty.mdanderson.org/patrick_hwu/" target="_blank">Dr. Patrick Hwu</a> (<a href="http://www.mdanderson.org/" target="_blank">MD Anderson</a>), has now suggested that Steve move to 6 month scans. He is confident that Steve's melanoma will NOT come back, and in the event that it does, there are so many things they could treat him with now that they didn't have when he was diagnosed in 2012. While this is extremely comforting to hear, we all know that the "black beast" can always come back. We actually know several warriors that have went 2+ years being NED and then had the melanoma return. But, we like to live life like melanoma is behind us. While we will ALWAYS be melanoma advocates, we just want to LIVE! We have been enjoying traveling, hanging out with friends and family, settling into our home that we bought last year, watching our 4 year old "graduate" Pre-K and just everyday "life" stuff.<br />
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As you may have read in my last blog, my older daughter, Sadie was diagnosed with <a href="http://www.genetics.edu.au/Publications-and-Resources/Genetics-Fact-Sheets/FactSheet32" target="_blank">mosaic Turner Syndrome</a> in December of 2014. All of her medical exams turned out great! She has none of the problems (as of yet) that many Turner Syndrome patients have (heart, kidney, hearing, etc). Sadie is 4'8" and will not grow any taller. That is the average height of a girl/woman with Turner Syndrome. We took Sadie to a reproductive endocrinologist regarding the fertility issues that Turner Syndrome causes. Sadie's lab work showed her to be in pre-menopause (at age 13). We quickly got her started on fertility medication for egg retrieval. She has been through 2 cycles/retrievals. Each retrieval yielded one mature egg able to be frozen for future use. So, she currently has 2 frozen eggs and will likely start another cycle for another attempt sometime next month. There is a 3 day <a href="http://www.turnersyndrome.org/#!national-conference/c24mt" target="_blank">Turner Syndrome convention </a>in Kansas City later this summer that we are considering attending. Being such a rare condition, we are hoping to meet some other girls her age that she can keep in touch with over the years. <br />
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Please be patient with my lack of updates. I will try to update more often, but they will likely just be updates on LIFE :) Like I mentioned, we will ALWAYS be melanoma advocates. I still advocate weekly (some may feel like it's daily) on my Facebook page, we have a walk supporting AIM at Melanoma coming up next week in Galveston (<a href="https://galveston2015.aimatmelanoma.org/badassmelanomawarriors" target="_blank">feel free to donate here</a>), we are attending a<a href="https://www.aimatmelanoma.org/patient-caregiver-support/patient-caregiver-symposiums/houston-tx/" target="_blank"> melanoma symposium at MD Anderson</a> in August, we have the <a href="http://houston2015.aimatmelanoma.org/" target="_blank">AIM at Melanoma walk in Houston</a> in September and I was recently contacted by a very large pharmaceutical company to work with them on some melanoma awareness campaigns. So, we are still very busy with the melanoma world!!! <br />
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If any of my readers need to/want to contact me, you can always reach me through my Facebook page (there is a link in the sidebar).<br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-46224303847611384862014-12-09T21:21:00.001-06:002014-12-16T20:07:45.836-06:00Turner Syndrome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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So, this page is usually used to update everyone on the status of my husband's stage 4 melanoma. Today, I am using the blog to update everyone on my 13 year old daughter, Sadie's new diagnoses.<br />
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In June of this year, Sadie went to her primary pediatrician for a well child visit to get a form filled out for camp. Her pediatrician, Dr. Aisha Chaudhary with Bay Area Pediatrics was concerned because Sadie's percentile in height had dropped from the 50-60th percentile that it had been most/all of her life to suddenly in the 2nd percentile. Dr. Chaudhary said she was going to run some tests, especially to look for something wrong with her thyroid as thyroid problems could cause a decline in growth. I asked her to also check her for a genetic mutation that I carry to see if Sadie also had it. Test results showed Sadie to be hypothyroid and also she tested homozygous (a copy from mom and dad) for the MTHFR c677t mutation. Because of these two issues, she referred Sadie to a pediatric endocrinologist and also a genetic doctor.<br />
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After meeting with the endocrinologist, he re-ran the thyroid labs and said her results were normal. We talked to the genetics doctor and he was also concerned with her height. Based on the height of her father and myself, she should be about 5'3". He said he was going to run one test. He said it was unlikely that it would come back abnormal, but was worth checking.<br />
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That appointment was in late October. To be quite honest, I am usually VERY impatient for ANY type of test results, but I honestly forgot about these. I forgot about them until last Monday, December 1, 2014. About 6:30 pm her genetics doctor called me and said he wanted to discuss the lab results. I knew that obviously he didn't call because they were normal! He made an appointment for me us to come in on December 9th to discuss in detail the results. There was nooooo way he was getting off the phone without giving me more information. He gave me very little details but mentioned "Turner Syndrome". That was enough for me. I got off the phone and immediately went a Googling! BAD! Within 30 seconds I was in tears. The one thing I read on every page was that girls with Turner Syndrome are infertile. How in the world would I tell my 13 year old daughter that she can not have a baby?!? How can she comprehend this information? Fine, I won't tell her till she is 18 or 19!! Wait, I can't withhold this information from her!!! These thoughts all crossed my mind in the matter of seconds. <br />
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Thankfully, I had my monthly Bunco group at 7. I was thankful these ladies let me spill everything to them and get out some more tears. I spent the next week researching Turner Syndrome, joining Facebook support groups, asking questions, etc.<br />
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Here are some things I learned......<br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">What is Turner Syndrome?</span> <i>Turner syndrome is a chromosomal condition that affects development in
females. The most common feature of Turner syndrome is short stature,
which becomes evident by about age 5. An early loss of ovarian function
(ovarian hypofunction or premature ovarian failure) is also very common.
The ovaries develop normally at first, but egg cells (oocytes) usually
die prematurely and most ovarian tissue degenerates before birth. Many
affected girls do not undergo puberty unless they receive hormone
therapy, and most are unable to conceive (infertile). A small percentage
of females with Turner syndrome retain normal ovarian function through
young adulthood.</i><br />
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<i>Turner syndrome, a condition that affects only girls and women,
results when a sex chromosome (the X chromosome) is missing or partially
missing. Turner syndrome can cause a variety of medical and
developmental problems, including short height, failure to start
puberty, infertility, heart defects, certain learning disabilities and
social adjustment problems.
</i><br />
<i>Turner syndrome may be diagnosed before birth (prenatal), during
infancy or in early childhood. Occasionally the diagnosis is delayed
until the teen or young adult years in those who have mild signs and
symptoms of Turner syndrome.</i><br />
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</i><i>Nearly all girls and women with Turner syndrome need ongoing medical
care from a variety of specialists. Regular checkups and appropriate
care can help most girls and women lead relatively healthy, independent
lives.</i><br />
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<span style="background-color: yellow;">How Common is Turner Syndrome? </span><i>This condition occurs in about 1 in 2,500 newborn girls worldwide, but
it is much more common among pregnancies that do not survive to term
(miscarriages and stillbirths). About 99% on women who are pregnant with a baby with Turner Syndrome miscarry or deliver a still born baby. </i><br />
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Today we saw the doctor to get more information. Set up future appointments and to share the information with Sadie. All things considered, Sadie has taken things pretty well. We have discussed other avenues of "having a baby" (adoption, fostering, donated egg, etc.) <br />
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In a nutshell, humans have 23 pairs of chromosomes. Most females are born with 23 pairs of "XX" chromosomes. Females with Turner Syndrome have either 23 sets of only 1"X" chromosome (monosomy<i> </i>Turner Syndrome), 1 full set of "X" chromosomes and some "XX" chromosomes, and even more rare, 1 full set of "X" chromosomes and some "XXX" chromosomes.<br />
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When we do it, we do it big!!! Sadie of course has the most rare form. 67% of her chromosomes only have 1 X and the other 33% have 3 X's. This is called mosaic Turner Syndrome. 45,X/47,XXX
monosomy X mosaic with triple X chromosome complement - to be exact. While this form is the most rare, this form seems to have less complications (no visable features other than short stature, a small chance of conceiving, less heart problems, etc.)<br />
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Sadie had a bone age study today to see if her bones were already fused or if there was still time for her to grow. If there was time for her to grow, she would be able to take human growth hormone to hopefully grow another inch or two (she is currently 4' 8"). Unfortunately, her doctor called this evening and her bones have already fused so she will not be able to take human growth hormone. She is 99% most likely finished growing on her own so will stay 4' 8".<br />
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Common risks are hypothyroidism, heart abnormalities, kidney abnormalities, and infertility.<br />
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Sadie has upcoming appointments with her new endocrinologist, her new cardiologist, more blood work, a MRI of her heart, an ultrasound of her kidneys, and a pelvic ultrasound. We will hopefully have a better picture of future issues after these appointments and tests, although she will have to be monitored several times a year even if there are no current issues. <br />
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Unknownnoreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-45173044421007436802014-09-24T22:42:00.001-05:002014-09-24T22:42:05.672-05:00Graduation Day!!!Yesterday Steve had his 3 month scans. His doctor, <a href="http://faculty.mdanderson.org/patrick_hwu/" target="_blank">Dr. Patrick Hwu</a>, chose to switch from CT scans to PET scans. This was the first PET scan Steve had since his diagnoses in 2012. Read <a href="http://www.diffen.com/difference/CT_Scan_vs_PET_Scan" target="_blank">here</a> about the difference between PET and CT scans. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting on the news!!</td></tr>
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Steve celebrated one year <a href="http://www.cancer.org/treatment/survivorshipduringandaftertreatment/understandingrecurrence/whenyourcancercomesback/when-cancer-comes-back-common-questions-about-recurrence" target="_blank">NED (No Evidence of Disease)</a> on September 16, 2014. So, between having a different type of scan and just celebrating 1 year NED, we felt we might be a little jinxed. But thankfully, as soon as we were brought back to a room we were greeted and let know that the scans were good. NED! No Evidence of Disease!!! One year and 8 days (who's counting???)!!!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NED!!!!!!</td></tr>
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<br />We waited for the dermatologist to come in. Steve doesn't leave without 1 or 2 biopsies, it's pretty much a given. Luckily for Steve it was only one biopsy this time. The biopsy needed an 8mm punch. We should hear the results in the next 5 business days. I suspect that it will just be <a href="http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/dysplastic-nevi" target="_blank">dysplatic nevus</a> as in the past, but we will see.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxGErpydBzM/VCONAi_lSMI/AAAAAAAAVuQ/32a-PKR0lvY/s1600/20140924_130330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FxGErpydBzM/VCONAi_lSMI/AAAAAAAAVuQ/32a-PKR0lvY/s1600/20140924_130330.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The hole...</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SR059ZiRQk0/VCONBPf1bpI/AAAAAAAAVuc/VXxeV0colko/s1600/20140924_130443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SR059ZiRQk0/VCONBPf1bpI/AAAAAAAAVuc/VXxeV0colko/s1600/20140924_130443.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The biopsied skin....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwqoIto4qNU/VCONBwybzUI/AAAAAAAAVus/cVmW84QTaTQ/s1600/20140924_131041.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LwqoIto4qNU/VCONBwybzUI/AAAAAAAAVus/cVmW84QTaTQ/s1600/20140924_131041.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty stitching......</td></tr>
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About 3 weeks ago I had to take Steve to the ER due to what seemed to be an allergic reaction to something. He had welts and lots of itching. They gave him steroids and benadryl through IV and also a prescription for home. Although most of it has cleared up, Steve has still been having welts/red swollen areas anywhere he scratches. After talking with the dermatologists and also after his skin reacting/swelling to the pen they circled his biospy with, they diagnosed him with <a href="http://allergies.about.com/od/urticariahives/a/dermatographism.htm" target="_blank">dermatographism</a>. This is not very well understood and the cause is unknown. Only 4-5% of people will experience this. Who knows? Was it prior treatment? An allergy to something? Stress? The world will NEVER know!!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewd6OHqONPM/VCOM_rhxzHI/AAAAAAAAVt4/6EKbpXO1dqg/s1600/20140924_125634.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ewd6OHqONPM/VCOM_rhxzHI/AAAAAAAAVt4/6EKbpXO1dqg/s1600/20140924_125634.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swollen skin under pen marking.</td></tr>
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<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0unrf_DZnA/VCONCdtU2cI/AAAAAAAAVuw/8xupfagGk_A/s1600/20140924_131240.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-V0unrf_DZnA/VCONCdtU2cI/AAAAAAAAVuw/8xupfagGk_A/s1600/20140924_131240.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swollen skin after scratching. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
When Dr. Hwu came in, we already knew that the PET scan and MRI showed No Evidence of Disease. Dr. Hwu said that he is really, really impressed with Steve's body's response to <a href="http://www.yervoy.com/patient/what-is-yervoy.aspx?TC=47784&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=brandeddecision&utm_term=yervoy&utm_content=brandeddipiyervoybrandedgeneral_textad_Information_text_tc47784" target="_blank">Yervoy</a>. He said that every single time that Steve comes in and shows No Evidence of Disease, the risk of recurrence decreases. Today was also graduation day, Dr. Hwu also graduated Steve from scans every 3 months to scans every 4 months!! Not only does this count down on time missed from work, one less scanxiety per year, but also less RAD counts per year. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlNvOth4-78/VCONCfGcHyI/AAAAAAAAVu0/I96VONFqc3c/s1600/20140924_134357.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dlNvOth4-78/VCONCfGcHyI/AAAAAAAAVu0/I96VONFqc3c/s1600/20140924_134357.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NED ~ Celebrate LIFE!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ltViK0bWqI8/VCONC6rxMVI/AAAAAAAAVu8/066jumlQmk0/s1600/20140924_134401%2B(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ltViK0bWqI8/VCONC6rxMVI/AAAAAAAAVu8/066jumlQmk0/s1600/20140924_134401%2B(1).jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LOVE!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Steve, Me and our girls celebrated with dinner out tonight. - Shhhh, for all those that know that I don't cook usually anyhow ;) Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-4893161680881358522014-07-02T00:52:00.001-05:002014-07-02T10:10:23.536-05:00Long time no blog?!?!It's been a very busy last few months in the Martin household.
Thankfully we have been living "normal" lives and have had no personal
melanoma issues come up. Unfortunately, several of our friends are
struggling with melanoma. This has been extremely hard for me to
juggle. While I am elated that Steve is doing well and continues to be
"NED" (No Evidence of Disease), I can't help but weep for those that we
have lost, are losing and are struggling. Sometimes I find the easiest
way to deal with the struggle of emotions is to just back away. Then I
realize that we have so much to offer (hope, knowledge, experience,
etc.) that it is not really fair to back away. I just have to find
better ways to juggle my emotions. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEaprbowyuc/U7OXP9UuwDI/AAAAAAAAQr8/jx7OArKeV3I/s1600/20140625_131151.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zEaprbowyuc/U7OXP9UuwDI/AAAAAAAAQr8/jx7OArKeV3I/s1600/20140625_131151.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">NED!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Here is a bit about what has been going on with us for the past 3 months.....<br />
<br />
In May, Steven and I were invited by GSK (Glasko Smith Kline) to
their Philadelphia headquarters to attend a Bloggers Summit along with a few of our
melanoma blogging peers. This was the first year for this event and I
hope they continue it in the future. I took great pleasure in the fact
that "Big Pharma" wanted to talk to bloggers, patients, caregivers,
melanoma foundations, etc. about our experiences and our thoughts on
what they could do to help "us". We talked in great detail with
suggestions on what we felt was missing in the melanoma world in terms
of awareness. While Steve and I were there, we also did a short on
camera interview that GSK will use in the future for melanoma
awareness. I feel like GSK will definitely do their part to help our
community raise more awareness. Which avenue will they choose to use? I
don't know and honestly it doesn't matter. I applaud their efforts to
help battle the beast!!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNIDISr4w0k/U7OXCIELiUI/AAAAAAAAQo8/QvFrwSUFEbc/s1600/20140519_103208-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BNIDISr4w0k/U7OXCIELiUI/AAAAAAAAQo8/QvFrwSUFEbc/s1600/20140519_103208-1.jpg" height="320" width="292" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve and I outside GSK Philly offices</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkY_NKhA47U/U7OXEW_9JII/AAAAAAAAQpY/ou89Dv_zWdg/s1600/20140519_114758.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JkY_NKhA47U/U7OXEW_9JII/AAAAAAAAQpY/ou89Dv_zWdg/s1600/20140519_114758.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mingling before lunch and the meeting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m685QM7dWOg/U7OXFQUhaeI/AAAAAAAAQpc/PjJW-R7VFkc/s1600/20140519_115550.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-m685QM7dWOg/U7OXFQUhaeI/AAAAAAAAQpc/PjJW-R7VFkc/s1600/20140519_115550.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melanoma Ribbon Cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xgr33LnDgRw/U7OXG7SP9bI/AAAAAAAAQp4/m4XFjjC5giE/s1600/20140519_131257.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xgr33LnDgRw/U7OXG7SP9bI/AAAAAAAAQp4/m4XFjjC5giE/s1600/20140519_131257.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Blogger Summit Roll Call</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZolaGLQod9o/U7OXGjj_xHI/AAAAAAAAQpo/p_HbPnUlmRs/s1600/20140519_131808.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZolaGLQod9o/U7OXGjj_xHI/AAAAAAAAQpo/p_HbPnUlmRs/s1600/20140519_131808.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jamey Millar, VP GSK Oncology Business Unit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06Bf2mUA2Ks/U7OXHV9DIiI/AAAAAAAAQp8/qAX6OXbscOE/s1600/20140519_132345.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-06Bf2mUA2Ks/U7OXHV9DIiI/AAAAAAAAQp8/qAX6OXbscOE/s1600/20140519_132345.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">GSK Oncology Pledge</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSi-g-l20Ig/U7OXITSX5DI/AAAAAAAAQqM/lK5gIW0Qx9o/s1600/20140519_163204.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VSi-g-l20Ig/U7OXITSX5DI/AAAAAAAAQqM/lK5gIW0Qx9o/s1600/20140519_163204.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Group photo from the Bloggers Summit </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
The Bloggers Summit also gave us the unique opportunity to meet
several of our melanoma peers in person for the first time. These are
many people that we have built relationships with over the last 2 1/2
years but have never been able to meet in person. What an incredible
experience!!! </div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Vd4JmyvI2AA/U7OXB629CiI/AAAAAAAAQpE/ozNj_QJ0fxI/s1600/20140518_183110.jpg" height="320" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="180" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meeting my dear friend, Martha for the first time!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_8LjVxbRnU/U7OXBjAhDkI/AAAAAAAAQpg/phyEa_SaVbQ/s1600/20140518_201349-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7_8LjVxbRnU/U7OXBjAhDkI/AAAAAAAAQpg/phyEa_SaVbQ/s1600/20140518_201349-2.jpg" height="300" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drinks with Steve, Martha and Rich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Frse-V8lYeo/U7OXDY-v4dI/AAAAAAAAQpQ/tyoaR8udbY8/s1600/20140519_111653.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Frse-V8lYeo/U7OXDY-v4dI/AAAAAAAAQpQ/tyoaR8udbY8/s1600/20140519_111653.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TJ, Martha, Rich, Melanoma Research Alliance, Melanoma Research Foundation</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rta9j3yO6s4/U7OXI2EyFII/AAAAAAAAQqQ/Yk4yIsw-_Ik/s1600/20140519_190859.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rta9j3yO6s4/U7OXI2EyFII/AAAAAAAAQqQ/Yk4yIsw-_Ik/s1600/20140519_190859.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner - Rich, Martha, TJ, Me and Steve</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEJheW7DAbw/U7OXJi4mWpI/AAAAAAAAQqs/i1na7LGCunY/s1600/20140519_201412-1.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qEJheW7DAbw/U7OXJi4mWpI/AAAAAAAAQqs/i1na7LGCunY/s1600/20140519_201412-1.jpg" height="320" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and TJ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-5fjvO_PFQ/U7OXKFvhswI/AAAAAAAAQqk/1EJIj8-MAig/s1600/20140519_203557.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-A-5fjvO_PFQ/U7OXKFvhswI/AAAAAAAAQqk/1EJIj8-MAig/s1600/20140519_203557.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Rich</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWDq2J2anbo/U7OXKq9rUqI/AAAAAAAAQqw/zNdlx1QP6w4/s1600/20140520_162014-2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yWDq2J2anbo/U7OXKq9rUqI/AAAAAAAAQqw/zNdlx1QP6w4/s1600/20140520_162014-2.jpg" height="252" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me and Martha....sad to say goodbye :(</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
In June, Steve and I were invited to attend an event in Atlanta hosted my BMS (<span class="st">Bristol-Myers
Squibb). Another "Big Pharma" wanting to talk to the melanoma
community to get ideas on awareness. Big stuff! Unfortunately, the
event was to be held on the same date as Steve's 3 month results and we
didn't want to reschedule all of his scans and appointments so we had to
decline. After learning that Steve is 9 months NED from Yervoy (who
BMS is the developer of), they expressed interest in bringing us in in a
few months to do some promotional videos for them/Yervoy. We would
love to do that, so hopefully we hear back from them.<br /><br />Wednesday,
June 25th, Steve and I headed to MD Anderson for his 3 month results (he
had scans that prior Sunday). We were so happy to hear he is still no
evidence of disease!!! Steve had 2 biopsies while he was there. One on
the back of his left arm and one on the right side of his upper back.
Steve got the call on Friday that both of these were clear of melanoma.
I believe they said one was atypical and the other was fine. So, good
news there too! This was not our first time to meet Steve's new
melanoma specialist, Dr. Patrick Hwu (he was on rounds several times
while Steve was inpatient); however, this was our first time to meet
with him in a regular clinical situation. Dr. Hwu was just as kind,
compassionate and amazing as we remembered. Dr. Hwu seemed confident
that Steve is a complete responder to Yervoy. <a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/811843" target="_blank">Dr.
Hwu is very highly regarded in melanoma research. He said that most
people that are NED this long after completion of Yervoy go on to be NED
for many, many, many years.</a> He discussed the future of Steve's
appointments. He would like to move from CT scans to PET scans. He
talked about moving to 4 month visits once Steve is 2 years NED, then 6
month appointments when he is 5 years NED and eventually moving to
annual appointments. While talking about all of these "future"
accomplishments seems so surreal, the fact of the matter is, it COULD be
our reality! Dr. Hwu seems confident, and he is one of the most
knowledgeable melanoma professionals. So, his confidence gives me
hope! Dr. Hwu also went into great detail with Steve about keeping his
immune system healthy.....meditation, more sleep, less drinking,
exercising, better diet, less stress, etc. Yervoy is immunotherapy. It
basically restarts your immune system to allow your immune system to
fight the melanoma. So, part of letting the Yervoy continue to work is
by letting his immune system continue to work and be at it's best. It's
definitely a work in progress ;) </span><br />
<span class="st"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWuawC5Ulpc/U7OXLkazdII/AAAAAAAAQq8/ufrXbDEck08/s1600/20140625_114311.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hWuawC5Ulpc/U7OXLkazdII/AAAAAAAAQq8/ufrXbDEck08/s1600/20140625_114311.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back of left arm </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAoDbgswJIU/U7OXMNllDwI/AAAAAAAAQrM/40lA4JeRh8M/s1600/20140625_114320.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GAoDbgswJIU/U7OXMNllDwI/AAAAAAAAQrM/40lA4JeRh8M/s1600/20140625_114320.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper right back</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyXHn2bvtg4/U7OXO1e1RJI/AAAAAAAAQrs/wVeM-8O1jsE/s1600/20140625_122040.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jyXHn2bvtg4/U7OXO1e1RJI/AAAAAAAAQrs/wVeM-8O1jsE/s1600/20140625_122040.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arm biopsy </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LbijQPMbr3k/U7OXPJs9QfI/AAAAAAAAQr0/dEiJDi5mJOo/s1600/20140625_122104.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LbijQPMbr3k/U7OXPJs9QfI/AAAAAAAAQr0/dEiJDi5mJOo/s1600/20140625_122104.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back Biopsy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="st"><br />We
will be back to see Dr. Hwu in September for the next 3 month scans. I
hope you don't hear from me until then :) Although I do plan to try
and blog more about melanoma awareness, issues, etc.</span><br />
<span class="st"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q-gF0_359WE/U7Oe2LoDjqI/AAAAAAAAQs0/IY_HBi7WzXU/s1600/20140625_141907-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q-gF0_359WE/U7Oe2LoDjqI/AAAAAAAAQs0/IY_HBi7WzXU/s1600/20140625_141907-1.jpg" height="205" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We got to meet up with Kathy, Judy and Ken while at MD Anderson.....love them!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8YUhMLucPmk/U7OesfHAN_I/AAAAAAAAQsw/J7aRYH1a62E/s1600/20140625_211638-1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8YUhMLucPmk/U7OesfHAN_I/AAAAAAAAQsw/J7aRYH1a62E/s1600/20140625_211638-1.jpg" height="271" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve and I celebrating NED (after my Zumba class!)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b> </b><span class="st"><br />Please pray, think positive thoughts, send your love,
etc. to my dear friend Kara who is fighting for her life right now.
Also, do the same for my friend Brandi who is fighting to get tumors
under control in order to get into a trial. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2sSOSW6kd-8/U7OanncEFtI/AAAAAAAAQsg/gENXWr3VVL8/s1600/10255715_10152347789174320_6959101812469436207_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-2sSOSW6kd-8/U7OanncEFtI/AAAAAAAAQsg/gENXWr3VVL8/s1600/10255715_10152347789174320_6959101812469436207_n.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My sweet friend, Kara and her family </td></tr>
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<span class="st"> </span><b><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="st"> </span></a></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-ITGjHleI4/U7Oang3CEAI/AAAAAAAAQsk/R8HHag5FJ-E/s1600/10491207_10202498157719166_6460019679084769663_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n-ITGjHleI4/U7Oang3CEAI/AAAAAAAAQsk/R8HHag5FJ-E/s1600/10491207_10202498157719166_6460019679084769663_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My dear friend, Brandi and her family </td></tr>
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<span class="st"><br />***</span><i style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #222222; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;">GSK
reimbursed my travel and expenses to attend the GSK Melanoma Summit,
however, I was not asked to promote GSK or its medicines.</span></i><span class="st"></span><i style="font-style: italic;"><span style="color: #222222; font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit;"> This post is voluntary, represents my own views and I was not paid to write it.</span></i><span class="st">***</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-13651520040095894782014-04-03T20:35:00.002-05:002014-04-03T20:49:23.415-05:00No Evidence of Disease!!!I apologize to those who only follow through the blog, that I am just getting the latest update up. Steve had his appointments at MD Anderson on Monday and scans all showed that he is NED (No Evidence of Disease) still! We are both so thrilled!!!!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArOwsX8vy0o/Uz4K8oUScjI/AAAAAAAAQWU/f8ChyaxKLbI/s1600/20140331_110758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ArOwsX8vy0o/Uz4K8oUScjI/AAAAAAAAQWU/f8ChyaxKLbI/s1600/20140331_110758.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></div>
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We stayed the weekend at The Rotary House that is attached to MD Anderson since Steve's appointments were so early Sunday and Monday morning. After his appointments on Sunday, we relaxed in the room for a bit and then had crawfish for dinner at Sam's Boat.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6GChJxF0FSM/Uz4K6IjwBlI/AAAAAAAAQVk/ixL1QW9DY2U/s1600/20140330_143122.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-6GChJxF0FSM/Uz4K6IjwBlI/AAAAAAAAQVk/ixL1QW9DY2U/s1600/20140330_143122.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Rotary House</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25VQBqOpNEA/Uz4K7PT0uXI/AAAAAAAAQWA/Go6_3ovkR4E/s1600/20140330_183852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-25VQBqOpNEA/Uz4K7PT0uXI/AAAAAAAAQWA/Go6_3ovkR4E/s1600/20140330_183852.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being silly waiting for the car. </td></tr>
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Monday, Steve had a full day. Luckily the appointment with Dr. Kim was first, so we got the NED news right away. It was a bittersweet appointment. Dr. Kim is leaving MD Anderson and going to San Francisco to work. This was our last visit with Dr. Kim. We have been sooooo happy with Dr. Kim's care, his personality, his knowledge, just everything about him. We are going to miss him so much! Steve has now been assigned to <a href="http://faculty.mdanderson.org/patrick_hwu/" target="_blank">Dr. Patrick Hwu</a>. Dr. Hwu is one of the top melanoma specialists in the world. We are so happy to have gotten assigned to Dr. Hwu and have no doubts we will receive the same quality care we received from Dr. Kim. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PA9vvXTHde0/Uz4K6YRyg9I/AAAAAAAAQVs/2AbekJGt7v8/s1600/20140329_220912.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PA9vvXTHde0/Uz4K6YRyg9I/AAAAAAAAQVs/2AbekJGt7v8/s1600/20140329_220912.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Busy Schedule</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8E9YWWeaX8Q/Uz4K9dEqnDI/AAAAAAAAQWo/6unQs1S0yPo/s1600/20140331_115712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8E9YWWeaX8Q/Uz4K9dEqnDI/AAAAAAAAQWo/6unQs1S0yPo/s1600/20140331_115712.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve and me with Dr. Kevin Kim </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J3IJMoOnxYQ/Uz4K9iNdXmI/AAAAAAAAQWs/BN1hX58d90U/s1600/20140331_115740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J3IJMoOnxYQ/Uz4K9iNdXmI/AAAAAAAAQWs/BN1hX58d90U/s1600/20140331_115740.jpg" height="640" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve and Dr. Kim </td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
No news is good news. I hope I don't have to update again until 3 months from now!!!</div>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-75640785462746105132014-03-30T23:20:00.001-05:002014-03-30T23:21:24.366-05:00Tomororw is the big day......Steve had a CT scan and an MRI today. He will get the results tomorrow. We goofed off last night and today after his scans. It's a strange life we live. We could be given the worse news ever tomorrow, or we could continue to live our lives with Steve NED (no evidence of disease). The longer Steve is NED, the "easier" scans seem to be.....the less "scanxiety" there seems to be. But, there really is no "tricking" ourselves. We know that just because things have been going well doesn't mean they will continue in that direction. It's a fine balance between optimism, realism and fantasy land. But, until we are given other news, we choose optimism. We are optimistic that the scans will come back ok and Steve will continue to be NED, but in reality we know that things can change in the blink of an eye. Melanoma is so very aggressive. So, we have to live in reality as well. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q95MCtNlFew/UzjrI9BGKiI/AAAAAAAAQUg/MnU9JnD1bdI/s1600/20140330_183759.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-q95MCtNlFew/UzjrI9BGKiI/AAAAAAAAQUg/MnU9JnD1bdI/s1600/20140330_183759.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being goofy.....</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wyv74Hyul7I/UzjrI61DXsI/AAAAAAAAQUc/r_HEXHEt14w/s1600/20140330_183852.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wyv74Hyul7I/UzjrI61DXsI/AAAAAAAAQUc/r_HEXHEt14w/s1600/20140330_183852.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being goofy......</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmCcSwOrruY/UzjrI1w6hII/AAAAAAAAQUY/f5g5ZybfyP4/s1600/20140330_183900.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CmCcSwOrruY/UzjrI1w6hII/AAAAAAAAQUY/f5g5ZybfyP4/s1600/20140330_183900.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Being goofy.....</td></tr>
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Honestly, we have been thinking so little about Steve and thinking of so many around us. In February we mourned the one year loss of our sweet friend, Jennifer. My friends Melissa and Sylvia both lost their spouses within the last few weeks. And, most recently, my friend Kara had surgery on a bleeding brain tumor. It's been a tough, tough last few weeks in the melanoma community and honestly, that's where our minds have been.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzE6GhJ9VjI/UzjrezXu5pI/AAAAAAAAQUw/tQ3QCCEz5yk/s1600/jennteeth.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GzE6GhJ9VjI/UzjrezXu5pI/AAAAAAAAQUw/tQ3QCCEz5yk/s1600/jennteeth.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We miss you, Jenn!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXBExuH1oFI/Uzjr3E-ieLI/AAAAAAAAQU8/lPikVlUnyHQ/s1600/meandkara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-cXBExuH1oFI/Uzjr3E-ieLI/AAAAAAAAQU8/lPikVlUnyHQ/s1600/meandkara.jpg" height="395" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Get well, Kara!!!!</td></tr>
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Not only does Steve get scan results tomorrow, but we also say "goodbye" to his doctor, Dr. Kevin Kim. Steve has been with Dr. Kim since 2012 (when he was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma). Dr. Kim and his staff have been amazing. Dr. Kim is moving to California to practice there. There will be many, many, many tears shed tomorrow!!! Regardless of Steve's scan results, tomorrow is going to be a VERY, VERY hard day for us both. Dr. Kim has been so very patient with me over the last two years. He lets me ask as many questions as I would like. (Even when the questions don't necessarily pertain to our situation, he let's me play the "what if" game.) Steve was given <br />
6-9 months to live when diagnosed. Dr. Kim and his treatment recommendations have Steve with us today (NED at that!!) 26 months after diagnoses. Dr. Kim will be missed tremendously. <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_rexmF9pvk/Uzjs1X7jWUI/AAAAAAAAQVA/o3-xus5dTKA/s1600/drkim.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-U_rexmF9pvk/Uzjs1X7jWUI/AAAAAAAAQVA/o3-xus5dTKA/s1600/drkim.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We will miss Dr. Kim more than words can express!!!!</td></tr>
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Steve has an ultrasound and 3 Dr. appointments scheduled tomorrow. I will update just as soon as we get results! Thank you all for all of your support, prayers, thoughts, messages, texts, calls, etc. We love you all! <3 <3 <3<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-53789090180623742482014-03-16T11:38:00.000-05:002014-03-16T11:49:46.553-05:006 months NED!!!!Today is a bittersweet day for our family. We found out this morning that one of our sweet melanoma friends lost her husband last night to melanoma after a long, hard battle. Our melanoma family is a very tight knit community and every loss is like losing a family member....so heartbreaking. Today is also 6 months since Steve was <a href="http://martinfamilyjourney.blogspot.com/2013/09/3-month-scans6-months-out-from-ipi.html?showComment=1393667548114" target="_blank">given the news that he is NED</a>. Like I said, a bittersweet day, indeed.<br />
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Here is a picture of Melissa, Jeff and their precious babies....RIP Jeff.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iBr1X6X8xWo/UyXWHMj7p3I/AAAAAAAAQTI/m0zeBAJ1X9Y/s1600/melissa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-iBr1X6X8xWo/UyXWHMj7p3I/AAAAAAAAQTI/m0zeBAJ1X9Y/s1600/melissa.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Steve was diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic melanoma in January of 2012. At that time, he was given 6-9 months to live (this is the typical response from most doctors to melanoma patients when diagnosed). Can you imagine at age 34 being told you were going to die? Can you imagine at age 32 being told you are going to be a widow and single mom of 2? I will never forget that day. That moment. After the general oncologist gave us the news, she walked out to give us some time alone. We held each other and cried and cried and cried. I spent at least a week crying.<br />
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After the initial shock wore off, I threw myself into melanoma research. I read about melanoma, treatments, trials, read blogs, etc., every waking minute. In February of 2012, Steve started a grueling round of <a href="http://www.koontzoncology.com/Downloads/Presentations/Biochemotherapy.pdf" target="_blank">biochemo</a> at MD Anderson. Following biochemo, Steve had a major, invasive surgery to remove an adrenal gland and large tumor that was attached to the <a href="http://www.medicalschoolmemoirs.com/2012/10/adrenal-glands-first-aid-for-usmle-step.html" target="_blank">adrenal gland and intertwined with the vena cava</a>. After recovering from surgery, Steve was treated with <a href="http://www.zelboraf.com/patient/taking-zelboraf" target="_blank">Zelboraf</a>. After experiencing debilitating side effects and being admitted to the hospital for 11 days with a mystery infection/illness, Steve was taken off of Zelboraf. The next treatment Steve did was <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ipilimumab" target="_blank">Yervoy (Ipilimumab)</a>. Yervoy is 4 rounds of 90 minute infusions taken once every 3 weeks as outpatient. Steve did very well on Yervoy. He had little to no side effects. And on September 16th, 2013 we got official word that Yervoy did it's job. Steve is NED!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQAUJF8D5ig/UyXSqlaxDqI/AAAAAAAAQS8/lbMYwBdVqr4/s1600/ned1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wQAUJF8D5ig/UyXSqlaxDqI/AAAAAAAAQS8/lbMYwBdVqr4/s1600/ned1.jpg" height="320" width="180" /></a></div>
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As we celebrate 6 months, NED, we have to be realistic to the fact that melanoma is a BEAST! Melanoma can come back at any time. We are thankful for the "normal" life we have been able to live the last 6-9 months. During this time, we sold our home and built a new home. We moved into our new home about 2 months ago. We did not plan on building a new home for at least 5 more years, but we know we are on borrowed time and need to do anything and everything we want to do while we have the opportunity.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fZB8_SB654/UyXR0WAke8I/AAAAAAAAQSs/O1ElGGFt54I/s1600/house.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--fZB8_SB654/UyXR0WAke8I/AAAAAAAAQSs/O1ElGGFt54I/s1600/house.jpg" height="400" width="225" /></a></div>
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Steve's next scans are on March 30th with results the following day, March 31st. We hope the results continue to show NED, but are always prepared to hear we need to fight again. And if needed, that is exactly what we will do....fight again. "Fall down 7 times, Stand up 8"<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYqeJIqlHa8/UyXSNFF0n8I/AAAAAAAAQS0/uwF2NE5j-cw/s1600/fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-cYqeJIqlHa8/UyXSNFF0n8I/AAAAAAAAQS0/uwF2NE5j-cw/s1600/fall.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-33612806748663051922014-01-12T14:31:00.003-06:002014-03-16T14:37:14.014-05:00MD Anderson Blog Link to my latest blog for MD Anderson.....<br />
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Click <a href="http://www2.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/2014/01/melanoma-caregiver-three-month-check-up.html#more" target="_blank">here</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-79279752627624782032014-01-07T20:22:00.002-06:002014-01-07T20:22:45.277-06:00Biopsy updateJust a quick update, the pathology from the biopsy Steve had at his last appointment came back clear. No melanoma and not atypical. Nothing further will need to be done. Just another battle scar :)<br />
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Wear sunscreen. Wear sunglasses. Wear a hat. Do monthly self exams. See a dermatologist annually. Don't use tanning beds. LOVE THE SKIN YOU'RE IN!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-63335334071118638702014-01-03T07:57:00.000-06:002014-01-03T07:57:29.174-06:002 year Cancerversary!!!Last year I explained what a Cancerversary is to us and also recapped the first year of our battle. You can read that blog <a href="http://martinfamilyjourney.blogspot.com/2013/01/cancerverary.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />Today marks Steve's 2 year cancerversary. 2 years that "we" have been fighting the ugly black beast, melanoma. I say "we" because it takes the whole family to fight it. Steve does his part, which is by far the hardest. I have my role as caretaker which ranges from changing bandages, arranging/rescheduling appointments, researching, making sure meds are refilled, etc. Then there are our precious kiddos. They play a huge role as well. They are what makes Steve's fight worth it, they give him the drive he needs to continue fighting everyday. Then there is our immediate family that helps us at a drop of a hat with anything we might possibly think of needing. Last, and certainly not least, there is our ever growing melanoma family. Wow! What we wouldn't do without these folks. Whether it is late night questions that need quick answers, rants that just need an ear, constant love and support, whatever the case may be they are ALWAYS there. <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JCAUV422oYE/Usa_uU49umI/AAAAAAAAQOo/pYbsMcexSnE/s1600/20131128_142717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JCAUV422oYE/Usa_uU49umI/AAAAAAAAQOo/pYbsMcexSnE/s320/20131128_142717.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Recapping this year is much easier than last year. Last year was a real struggle for our family. This year, Steve did remarkably well and we lived a pretty "normal" life. In January, Steve had scans after 2 rounds of Yervoy (Ipilimumab). These scans showed that his melanoma had shrank by about 50%. Later in February, Steve finished his 4th and final round of Yervoy. In March, Steve had scans again and they showed another 40-50% shrinkage in the melanoma. Yervoy has a delayed reaction for many, so this was great news to us and very promising for future scans. On that day in March, we also met our sweet friend Kara, and also met Eric and his wife Kerry who is battling melanoma. That is my very favorite part of this journey....meeting our online melanoma friends in person. Like I mentioned, they are all so special and such an important piece of this journey that meeting in person is amazing!<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4F77RhrG0Y/UsbAwDtSjrI/AAAAAAAAQOw/EIlJLx2LxAg/s1600/kara.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T4F77RhrG0Y/UsbAwDtSjrI/AAAAAAAAQOw/EIlJLx2LxAg/s320/kara.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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In June, Steve and I participated in<a href="http://www.martinfamilyjourney.blogspot.com/2013/06/the-art-of-survivorship-blogging-101.html" target="_blank"> The Art of Survivorship - 101</a> seminar at MD Anderson. We both spoke to groups of cancer patients about our journey blogging and how it helps us. I hope some of those patients went on to start blogs of their own. Later in June, we put our house up for sale and it sold in FOUR days! We are currently in an apartment and close on our newly built home on January 10th!!! It was definitely a scary move to make. Melanoma is very sneaky and to be honest we could never be sure Steve would live long enough to see the new home finished. We close in one week. I am beyond elated that Steve will be here to see the new home finished, live in the new home, enjoy the balcony together on the new home (something he has ALWAYS wanted). June's CT scans also showed an additional 33% shrinkage of the melanoma.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTWyW1MfawU/UsbBG3Y4WYI/AAAAAAAAQO4/uI9I_B49UsA/s1600/bye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UTWyW1MfawU/UsbBG3Y4WYI/AAAAAAAAQO4/uI9I_B49UsA/s320/bye.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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On September 16th, 2013, we got the news we had been waiting for for over a year and a half. NED!! No Evidence of Metastatic Disease!! What an amazing day that day was!!! We KNOW that melanoma can come back at ANY time, but as a stage 4 melanoma patient, the best you can ever hope for is NED.......and there we were! On December 31st, we received the same news again....NED! <br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TrZqS1e6teY/UsbBWzViC_I/AAAAAAAAQPA/geGKtUKTd1c/s1600/ned.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TrZqS1e6teY/UsbBWzViC_I/AAAAAAAAQPA/geGKtUKTd1c/s320/ned.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br /><br />Steve will have his next scans March 30, 2014 with results on the 31st. We hope that he stays NED but until then we will continue LIVING life! We close on our house in 1 week, we are going to New Orleans to celebrate with friends this weekend (and hope that our Saints win their first playoff game of the season!!). <br />
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Thank you all for being a part of our journey this past year and thank you to those who have been around to be a part of this journey the last TWO years! I hope I have many, many, many more "cancerversary" blogs to write over the years.<br />
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Happy 2014 to all of you!! Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-26162056803676132172013-12-31T00:13:00.002-06:002013-12-31T07:08:19.772-06:00NED #2 - WARNING GRAPHIC PHOTOS AND PICTURES IN THIS POST Steve got the results back from the doctor today. NED!!!! We are so excited and relieved! We are closing on our new house that we just had built on January 10th, I am going back to work sometime in January (after staying home for 2 1/2 years). We have lots on our plate and NO time for melanoma!!<br />
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Before we met with the doctor, Steve had has 3 month dermatology check up. Everything looked good overall, but there was one spot that looked worrisome to the derms. They did not like the "center clearing". So, off it came via an 8mm punch. The mole is on his right rib cage area. Here are some pics and video.<br />
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WARNING GRAPHIC PHOTOS AND VIDEO <br />
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<a href="http://youtu.be/Fp7np3RBrRU" target="_blank">Here is the VIDEO of the punch biopsy. </a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywb5dDpl2hs/UsJb8stnQjI/AAAAAAAAQMk/upFMYRyG9rY/s1600/20131230_083640.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ywb5dDpl2hs/UsJb8stnQjI/AAAAAAAAQMk/upFMYRyG9rY/s320/20131230_083640.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Waiting to see the derm</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UaD4kox0Vyo/UsJb9qhFjvI/AAAAAAAAQMo/Aauq5S840uA/s1600/20131230_094335.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UaD4kox0Vyo/UsJb9qhFjvI/AAAAAAAAQMo/Aauq5S840uA/s320/20131230_094335.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Small mole with "center clearing"</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQnS1nV4hGw/UsJb-k-N9II/AAAAAAAAQM0/oemfswhB3GQ/s1600/20131230_095142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uQnS1nV4hGw/UsJb-k-N9II/AAAAAAAAQM0/oemfswhB3GQ/s320/20131230_095142.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Administering Lidocaine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zAnWp8F2dx8/UsJb_L0ATdI/AAAAAAAAQM4/CZEIlonUWCo/s1600/20131230_095201.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zAnWp8F2dx8/UsJb_L0ATdI/AAAAAAAAQM4/CZEIlonUWCo/s320/20131230_095201.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More Lidocaine</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-49M3kB7_hnk/UsJcAC_BZYI/AAAAAAAAQNA/UHYYUbTNOYc/s1600/20131230_095307.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-49M3kB7_hnk/UsJcAC_BZYI/AAAAAAAAQNA/UHYYUbTNOYc/s320/20131230_095307.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Numbed up </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc2sTwD7X6Q/UsJcBtzV6EI/AAAAAAAAQNc/ymtWShXf7JY/s1600/20131230_095326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Uc2sTwD7X6Q/UsJcBtzV6EI/AAAAAAAAQNc/ymtWShXf7JY/s320/20131230_095326.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve's photos stored in the computer from last visit to compare to today's visit. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWmCcIGAUFw/UsJcBWFW14I/AAAAAAAAQNQ/PUuQISQBORw/s1600/20131230_095347.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-eWmCcIGAUFw/UsJcBWFW14I/AAAAAAAAQNQ/PUuQISQBORw/s320/20131230_095347.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Starting the punch </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60NTowQlEwE/UsJcCNb3XpI/AAAAAAAAQNY/I8fdnzznceo/s1600/20131230_095352.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-60NTowQlEwE/UsJcCNb3XpI/AAAAAAAAQNY/I8fdnzznceo/s320/20131230_095352.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting going </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCwVdSjDkz0/UsJcC8OEczI/AAAAAAAAQNk/K8uJI7VDKYE/s1600/20131230_095422.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wCwVdSjDkz0/UsJcC8OEczI/AAAAAAAAQNk/K8uJI7VDKYE/s320/20131230_095422.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">She had to stop and give more lidocaine because Steve could still feel it </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lBaRPwVYAMg/UsJcDdxyseI/AAAAAAAAQNs/6GByo4MXIIE/s1600/20131230_095538.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lBaRPwVYAMg/UsJcDdxyseI/AAAAAAAAQNs/6GByo4MXIIE/s320/20131230_095538.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting going again. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o679MY96NBQ/UsJcEp9SPyI/AAAAAAAAQN0/GjrISND3YDM/s1600/20131230_095638.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o679MY96NBQ/UsJcEp9SPyI/AAAAAAAAQN0/GjrISND3YDM/s320/20131230_095638.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">And it is gone!</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7y_K_zTCWXg/UsJcFrZyOmI/AAAAAAAAQN4/hFgdsAfZb0o/s1600/20131230_100140.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7y_K_zTCWXg/UsJcFrZyOmI/AAAAAAAAQN4/hFgdsAfZb0o/s320/20131230_100140.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Little mole with "center clearing" will be sent off to pathology. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-rAchlAu_g/UsJcLRwbZ8I/AAAAAAAAQOM/DuwpUB0kfdU/s1600/20131230_100153.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6-rAchlAu_g/UsJcLRwbZ8I/AAAAAAAAQOM/DuwpUB0kfdU/s320/20131230_100153.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting stitched up. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NrJyD5XcT5c/UsJcH5dMPnI/AAAAAAAAQOA/c70_925Swr0/s1600/20131230_100600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NrJyD5XcT5c/UsJcH5dMPnI/AAAAAAAAQOA/c70_925Swr0/s320/20131230_100600.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All stitched up. </td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-32011150364499830872013-12-29T21:27:00.001-06:002013-12-29T21:33:01.414-06:00"3 month check up""Three month check up." It sounds so simple. It sounds so uneventful. It sounds so routine. For cancer patients and their families, that could not be further from the truth. Steve and I have many, many wonderful "melahomies" that understand this, yet we have so many friends and even family that do not have any idea what a "three month checkup" is to us. They do not know because they have never experienced it. It is no fault of theirs and we don't think any less of them. Many people just have not had to walk this path.<br />
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So, what are 3 month checkups in our eyes? Three month check ups are a daunting reminder of the life we now live. The "3 month" window. Steve's last scans in September showed him to be NED (no evidence of disease), so we celebrated the last few months by trying to forget about melanoma. We just acted like it didnt exist. I have poured my everything into melanoma awareness, fundraising, researching treatments, clinical trials, etc., these past 2 years and frankly I was just worn out. I felt a little guilty for taking a step back (but definitely not out!) of the melanoma world. I still read about and keep up with out melahomies, but overall, I have been absent from it all. I couldn't tell you anything about the latest trials, I couldn't tell you when the next walk is, I'm not sure when the last time I posted melanoma/tanning bed information on my Facebook page. I just really wanted to forget it all. But, here it is again. Our life stands still once again. What does tomorrow hold for us? What does next week hold for us? Do we get to breathe another 3 months? Will Steve suddenly be doing treatment again? Will a surgery be in the near future? So many unknowns that all fall in the hands of one day "3 month check up day".<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3z8xrFcL8e4/UsDnhR-E5fI/AAAAAAAAQL8/rtpCO-TrQf0/s1600/20131229_081020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3z8xrFcL8e4/UsDnhR-E5fI/AAAAAAAAQL8/rtpCO-TrQf0/s400/20131229_081020.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
Steve had his first set of scans this morning at MD Anderson. He will have another set of scans tomorrow, a dermatology appointment, and then an appointment with his oncologist for results. We are hoping for continued NED so we can "live" our lives another 3 months. We are thankful to have great friends that spent the morning with us today at MD Anderson. Between them and football today, it definitely kept our minds off things. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-29985964832655846282013-12-01T08:19:00.000-06:002013-12-04T23:35:36.118-06:00Wide Excision Recovery Many have asked how Steve's wounds from his wide excision surgery were healing, so I thought I would post a few pictures. Also, I thought it would be good to have the pics on the blog for anyone that may be seeking information on the surgery and recovery process. <br />
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The first few days Steve experienced mild pain. He took a weak pain pill, but probably could have gotten by on Advil or Tylenol. <br />
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P.S. Remember, I already know he is a hairy beast ;) <br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3Zd62Tq5NQ/UptCtM9q1eI/AAAAAAAAQKQ/fE-IoBmVurI/s1600/20131121_073821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z3Zd62Tq5NQ/UptCtM9q1eI/AAAAAAAAQKQ/fE-IoBmVurI/s640/20131121_073821.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">1 week post surgery - view of both cuts </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPzV89NyIyQ/UptCrxyG1gI/AAAAAAAAQKI/EgVVmjoVlrs/s1600/20131121_073825.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FPzV89NyIyQ/UptCrxyG1gI/AAAAAAAAQKI/EgVVmjoVlrs/s640/20131121_073825.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">View of lower cut - 1 week post surgery </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xBwfrK1aY20/UptCtbi1wkI/AAAAAAAAQKU/stpCQyQCLs4/s1600/20131121_073830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xBwfrK1aY20/UptCtbi1wkI/AAAAAAAAQKU/stpCQyQCLs4/s640/20131121_073830.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Top cut - 1 week post surgery (this is the superglue they used starting to fall off)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CR6Sdl9_8w/UptCvGbAI4I/AAAAAAAAQKc/k5LodrieBdA/s1600/20131122_134913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4CR6Sdl9_8w/UptCvGbAI4I/AAAAAAAAQKc/k5LodrieBdA/s640/20131122_134913.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">9 days post surgery </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81hu1wE02Rs/UptCx0aMmOI/AAAAAAAAQKo/mLvTXETBrhE/s1600/20131122_134917.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-81hu1wE02Rs/UptCx0aMmOI/AAAAAAAAQKo/mLvTXETBrhE/s640/20131122_134917.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Upper cut - 9 days post surgery </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJKPJ5KDyIQ/UptCyfe564I/AAAAAAAAQKs/XnRwGWGb7Jo/s1600/20131122_134921.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wJKPJ5KDyIQ/UptCyfe564I/AAAAAAAAQKs/XnRwGWGb7Jo/s640/20131122_134921.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lower cut - 9 days post surgery </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZknhpOER2s/UptCykqD9OI/AAAAAAAAQKw/iKqikOrAmnE/s1600/20131130_140025.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1ZknhpOER2s/UptCykqD9OI/AAAAAAAAQKw/iKqikOrAmnE/s640/20131130_140025.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Both cuts - 16 days post surgery</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fpU5oSxfCpg/UptC0wzf1WI/AAAAAAAAQLA/NkVU25zcQ7s/s1600/20131130_140034.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fpU5oSxfCpg/UptC0wzf1WI/AAAAAAAAQLA/NkVU25zcQ7s/s640/20131130_140034.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16 days post surgery - bottom cut </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HeV1RGrmwpI/UptC1Mx7B6I/AAAAAAAAQLE/idbzasAKzmc/s1600/20131130_140038.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HeV1RGrmwpI/UptC1Mx7B6I/AAAAAAAAQLE/idbzasAKzmc/s640/20131130_140038.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">16 days post surgery - upper cut </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Remember folks....love the skin you're in, see a dermatologist at least once a year, do monthly skin checks, wear sunscreen, seek shade, wear sunglasses, don't tan, take care of your skin!!!<br />
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I will try and remember to take pictures again in a week or two to show the final scars. Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-64724082368533581542013-11-14T21:32:00.000-06:002013-11-14T21:32:07.215-06:00CAUTION: GRAPHIC VIDEO<div style="text-align: center;">
Here are the videos of Steve's 2 mole removals today; "wide margin excision".</div>
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<br /><object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/mCwhFRQkx_k/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/mCwhFRQkx_k?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/mCwhFRQkx_k?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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This is the removal of the first mole (moderately atypical). </div>
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<object width="320" height="266" class="BLOGGER-youtube-video" classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.macromedia.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=6,0,40,0" data-thumbnail-src="http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/D_G_Ovp8abM/0.jpg"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/D_G_Ovp8abM?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><embed width="320" height="266" src="http://www.youtube.com/v/D_G_Ovp8abM?version=3&f=user_uploads&c=google-webdrive-0&app=youtube_gdata" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true"></embed></object></div>
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Stitching up the first hole. </div>
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Removal of the second mole (severely atypical). </div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-48192669671387465892013-11-14T21:05:00.000-06:002013-11-14T21:05:11.041-06:00CAUTION: GRAPHIC PHOTOS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today Steve had his wide local excision at MD Anderson. Everything went smooth and the doctor was kid enough to let me photo and video everything. I have given an outline of the procedure for anyone who is curious and/or anyone who found their way to the blog looking to get info for an upcoming procedure they may be having.<br /><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABFxBdKIbag/UoWND3gL3mI/AAAAAAAAQGQ/idyfZa0nF2U/s1600/20131114_122525.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ABFxBdKIbag/UoWND3gL3mI/AAAAAAAAQGQ/idyfZa0nF2U/s640/20131114_122525.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2 spots before being marked. One on the upper left and one right in the middle of back. (Yes, my husband is a hairy beast!)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1a33X6e-5s/UoWND6hF4LI/AAAAAAAAQGM/5Hxq0H6CXok/s1600/20131114_123858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-a1a33X6e-5s/UoWND6hF4LI/AAAAAAAAQGM/5Hxq0H6CXok/s640/20131114_123858.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve waiting on the doctor to come in. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIECDCB_09g/UoWNFamJ2qI/AAAAAAAAQGg/uSDy5txPXhc/s1600/20131114_123904.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sIECDCB_09g/UoWNFamJ2qI/AAAAAAAAQGg/uSDy5txPXhc/s640/20131114_123904.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Materials for the surgery. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPL3b7iwIHo/UoWNFv3luGI/AAAAAAAAQGc/Vhj6YeVlsSY/s1600/20131114_123918.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-IPL3b7iwIHo/UoWNFv3luGI/AAAAAAAAQGc/Vhj6YeVlsSY/s640/20131114_123918.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sterile material for the surgery. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tjT_OR6uZ0/UoWNGmLPTDI/AAAAAAAAQGs/fY1zYcIpOLg/s1600/20131114_125440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5tjT_OR6uZ0/UoWNGmLPTDI/AAAAAAAAQGs/fY1zYcIpOLg/s640/20131114_125440.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Here is where the doctor marked up the area to cut. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dCrw_4ImF9E/UoWNG3A7mDI/AAAAAAAAQGw/Mtgv8RQvGcU/s1600/20131114_125845.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dCrw_4ImF9E/UoWNG3A7mDI/AAAAAAAAQGw/Mtgv8RQvGcU/s640/20131114_125845.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The doctor starting the numbing medicine. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ee1wO8LQMWg/UoWNH0eynsI/AAAAAAAAQG4/_UmuYmAbJX8/s1600/20131114_125853.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ee1wO8LQMWg/UoWNH0eynsI/AAAAAAAAQG4/_UmuYmAbJX8/s640/20131114_125853.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More numbing medicine. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA4fSmOt_Fw/UoWNH3D80SI/AAAAAAAAQHA/9QgNlTcREeA/s1600/20131114_130008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZA4fSmOt_Fw/UoWNH3D80SI/AAAAAAAAQHA/9QgNlTcREeA/s640/20131114_130008.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Swollen after the numbing shots. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gs3CSvyI49E/UoWNJK-UrVI/AAAAAAAAQHQ/4be8LJjF1Nc/s1600/20131114_130128.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Gs3CSvyI49E/UoWNJK-UrVI/AAAAAAAAQHQ/4be8LJjF1Nc/s640/20131114_130128.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Letting the numbing medicine sit a bit. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-up2YrLvqlQ8/UoWNJAqUvCI/AAAAAAAAQHI/zGonMhgEhxE/s1600/20131114_133725.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-up2YrLvqlQ8/UoWNJAqUvCI/AAAAAAAAQHI/zGonMhgEhxE/s640/20131114_133725.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting out the first mole (middle of back) which was severely atypical.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x91pdeB8dI8/UoWNJyE0uII/AAAAAAAAQHU/bsxTG-SXb-s/s1600/20131114_133727.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-x91pdeB8dI8/UoWNJyE0uII/AAAAAAAAQHU/bsxTG-SXb-s/s640/20131114_133727.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stitching the first cut. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uxe-wmJ7myM/UoWNKJLXrQI/AAAAAAAAQHY/OQxg25ig0kA/s1600/20131114_133826.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Uxe-wmJ7myM/UoWNKJLXrQI/AAAAAAAAQHY/OQxg25ig0kA/s640/20131114_133826.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Still stitching. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VZth9sydlo/UoWNKvYEQ0I/AAAAAAAAQHs/EttXapo-UPk/s1600/20131114_133846.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VZth9sydlo/UoWNKvYEQ0I/AAAAAAAAQHs/EttXapo-UPk/s640/20131114_133846.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first chunk!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAf2sFTCtlE/UoWNK_xcnKI/AAAAAAAAQHo/boKtj0DBEBI/s1600/20131114_133924.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gAf2sFTCtlE/UoWNK_xcnKI/AAAAAAAAQHo/boKtj0DBEBI/s640/20131114_133924.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All closed up. </td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqCMPqd7VnU/UoWNLhOFipI/AAAAAAAAQIA/N20iJZ-Hwes/s1600/20131114_134036.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lqCMPqd7VnU/UoWNLhOFipI/AAAAAAAAQIA/N20iJZ-Hwes/s640/20131114_134036.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Moving on to #2. Moderately atypical</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wZorsWoc-k/UoWNL7L4lpI/AAAAAAAAQH8/QOkRNcfWOJA/s1600/20131114_134236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7wZorsWoc-k/UoWNL7L4lpI/AAAAAAAAQH8/QOkRNcfWOJA/s640/20131114_134236.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cutting out #2</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvMxu-d5tEU/UoWNM87H3FI/AAAAAAAAQIU/EYIdvkU7OMA/s1600/20131114_134454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GvMxu-d5tEU/UoWNM87H3FI/AAAAAAAAQIU/EYIdvkU7OMA/s640/20131114_134454.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chunk #2 <br /><br />I will post videos in a separate blog post. </td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-52984306166481101372013-11-13T16:05:00.000-06:002013-11-13T16:05:31.306-06:00Surgery tomorrow In September, Steve had <a href="http://martinfamilyjourney.blogspot.com/2013/09/biopsies-surgeries-clear-marginsrinse.html" target="_blank">2 biopsies done</a> of some suspicious moles on his back. The moles came back negative for melanoma, but severely atypical. The dermatologists at MD Anderson decided it would be best to have surgery on these 2 moles (wide excision). Tomorrow at noon Steve will have the wide excision on these 2 moles. The information regarding the surgery is in my last blog post, which you can access <a href="http://martinfamilyjourney.blogspot.com/2013/09/biopsies-surgeries-clear-marginsrinse.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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Other than surgery tomorrow, life has been pretty calm for us since Steve's last scans. We went out of town for our daughter Sadie's birthday, we just got back from New Orleans for a Saints football game. We had a blast! <br /><br />This weekend is the AIM at Melanoma walk in North Carolina. I wish Steve and I were able to attend and meet up with so many of our fellow melanoma warriors/caregivers. Next year for sure! If you would like to donate to the walk, please do so <a href="http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/en/aim-for-action/1158/1159/charlotte-2013.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WC-B3OLNeRQ/UoP3Y4JPWcI/AAAAAAAAQF4/mnnM7Mgvtq4/s1600/20131110_164443.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WC-B3OLNeRQ/UoP3Y4JPWcI/AAAAAAAAQF4/mnnM7Mgvtq4/s640/20131110_164443.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-75016065987075320672013-09-26T10:46:00.002-05:002013-09-26T10:46:25.668-05:00Mesothelioma Awareness Day While this post is unrelated to melanoma, I was contacted by <span>Emily, the Community Outreach Director for a cancer organization known as
the <a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/" target="_blank">Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance</a> and asked to help spread awareness of Mesothelioma today for Mesothelioma Awareness Day. </span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span>Please take a moment to read her <a href="http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/authors/emily/8-things-you-should-know-about-mesothelioma.htm" target="_blank">blog</a> to read some facts about Mesothelimoma.<br /></span><br /><span><img alt="8 Facts About Mesothelioma" class="floatleft" src="http://www.mesothelioma.com/images/blog/posts/MAD.jpg" width="210" /> </span><br />
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<span>Thanks!!</span><br />
<span><br /></span>
<span><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-23237847944341862802013-09-24T22:12:00.000-05:002013-09-24T22:13:57.879-05:00Biopsies, surgeries, clear margins........rinse and repeatSteve had 2 biopsies on his back last Monday, September 16, 2013. He had one via the "punch" method and one via the "shave" method. Steve was called with the results today. Both biopsies came back free of melanoma but were classified as "severely atypical". According to his dermatologist, "severely atypical" moles have a high chance of developing into melanoma. <br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxeHA52551Mk3w9uYgBYXWjRGtAe9UyTk9FntVhUe8hYsGRRBJQLuTxWSgWvhzqtCwIVQbrLP4Xv3wYKdj7Bw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dx8MRaSxPkDLLXzi4cQ6K3rF9yVNjs603zKBdNefts99uy6oK_VEHvVYfsIxY2WKRpituLkO53b-TkUR7cJ3A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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On November 14, 2013 at 2:15 pm, Steve will have a surgery commonly referred to as "<a href="http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/en/aim-for-answers/treatment-of-melanoma/treatment-by-stage.html" target="_blank">wide margin excision</a>" to be sure that they have clear margins on both of the moles. Even though the moles are not melanoma, MD Anderson is very proactive in severely atypical moles since they carry such a high risk of turning into melanoma. The procedure is typically an inpatient surgery and takes 1-2 weeks to recover from. Steve will be left with a 4-5 cm scar in each area. But what a small price to pay to keep the melanoma at bay!<br />
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Info regarding the <a href="http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/en/aim-for-answers/treatment-of-melanoma/treatment-by-stage.html" target="_blank">surgery</a>:<br />
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<i>"The procedure is called wide <a class="glossary" href="http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/glossary.html?active_letter=E">excision</a>.</i><br />
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</i>
<i>
</i><i>The surgeon removes the rest of the <a class="glossary" href="http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/glossary.html?active_letter=T">tumor</a>, including the biopsy site, as well as a surgical <a class="glossary" href="http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/glossary.html?active_letter=M">margin</a>,
(a surrounding area of normal-appearing skin), and the underlying
subcutaneous tissue, to make certain the whole tumor has been removed.</i><br />
<i>
</i>
<i>
</i><i>The width of the margin taken depends upon the <a class="glossary" href="http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/glossary.html?active_letter=T">thickness</a> of the primary tumor.</i><br />
<i>
</i>
<i>
</i><i>Most surgeons today follow the guidelines adopted and recommended by
the National Institutes of Health and the World Health Organization
Melanoma Program:</i><br />
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</i><br />
<ul>
<li>
<i>At least 0.5 centimeter margin in all directions (less than 0.25 inch) </i><br />
</li>
</ul>
<i>
</i><i>This typically results in a scar at least 4-5 cm (about 2 inches) in
length, but it may be longer depending on the location on the skin and
the size and orientation of the biopsy site. <a class="glossary" href="http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/glossary.html?active_letter=S">Skin grafting</a> may sometimes be required to cover the wound, especially on the face or on the fingers or toes" </i><br />
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When Steve met with the dermatologist last week, they diagnosed him with atypical <a href="http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/dysplastic-nevi" target="_blank">dysplastic nevus syndrome</a>. People with this diagnoses are anywhere from 10 to 12 times more likely to develop melanoma. <br />
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I will keep everyone updated on Steve's surgery in November. Until then, we are happy that Steve is NED. Yesterday, Steve started the <a href="http://www.livestrong.org/What-We-Do/Our-Actions/Programs-Partnerships/LIVESTRONG-at-the-YMCA" target="_blank">Livestrong program at the YMCA</a>. The program aims to aid cancer patients that are recovering from treatment in rebuilding their strength, agility, and stamina. He will probably end up missing a few classes due to the surgery, but hopefully that will not affect the effectiveness of this class. <br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-36048318363350166102013-09-16T21:03:00.002-05:002013-09-16T21:03:16.272-05:003 month scans.....6 months out from Ipi (Yervoy) completionWow! What a day today was! Steven and I had to be at MD Anderson at 9 am. We got Sadie off to school on the school bus and dropped Ashlynn off at daycare. We showed up to MD Anderson about 20 minutes late....whoops! Luckily, they accommodate for traffic, over sleeping, not leaving in time, alarm not going off, whatever your excuse may be! <br /><br />Steve had a CT of his neck and we were off to his 11:00 appointment with Dr. Kim. We checked in for his 11am appointment and they also checked us in for his 11:45 dermatology appointment. Since Steve had to fast for his CT scan, I ran down stairs and grabbed us Chik Fil A while he waited in case they called him. (They didnt). We got called back around noon for his dermatology appointment (even though his appointment for CT results was technically before the derm appointment). We waited almost 2 hours before the dermatologist came in. Thankfully we brought our computers to keep us entertained while we waited! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gX8-GvluOQI/Uje1ElkXGsI/AAAAAAAAIUM/kD7UoAhvcYE/s1600/20130916_121636.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gX8-GvluOQI/Uje1ElkXGsI/AAAAAAAAIUM/kD7UoAhvcYE/s320/20130916_121636.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve waiting on dermatology to come in. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br /><br />Steve has never really had a dermatology appointment. He had one back in February of 2012, but since he was being admitted the same day for biochemotherapy, the dermatologist didn't take any biopsies. At this appointment, the dermatologist did a very thorough body check (body, feet, scrotum, rectum, scalp, etc.). She decided that 2 spots needed to be biopsied. One spot was too big for a punch biopsy, so she did a "shave" biopsy. The other spot she did a 8mm punch biopsy. I get to take Steve's sutures out in 2 weeks. Fun fun.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yg8HdD9NY8Q/Uje1IL813CI/AAAAAAAAIU8/_3EkTvMBq94/s1600/20130916_141326.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-yg8HdD9NY8Q/Uje1IL813CI/AAAAAAAAIU8/_3EkTvMBq94/s320/20130916_141326.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spot "A" and spot "B"</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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After the dermatology appointment, we headed down to room 15. You know, the room they told us to go to when we were finished with dermatology?! Yeah, the guy sitting on the table in his gown probably didn't appreciate me walking in! Haha! Whoops! Anyhow, we got put in a room to wait for Dr. Kim. While we waited for Dr. Kim, Urvi, Dr. Kim's PA came in. She immediately let us know that the scans looked great. We went over scan results and she said that the abdominal CT scans showed no metastatic disease. The MRI showed no metastatic disease. The neck CT scan was not back yet, but they assumed no metastatic disease from the preliminary results. <br />
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<br /><br />This was GREAT news for us! This is the BEST news we could hope for today. There is NO cure for melanoma, but you can live with "no evidence of disease" or "NED" for some time. Some people stay "NED" for only months and others for years. So, only time will tell.<br />
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After a fun, silly visit with Urvi, Dr Kim came in. Dr. Kim confirmed "NED" and we had a good visit with him as well. I love how Dr. Kim will sit and play my "well what if...." games. "Well what if we would have come today and the scan would have showed X...." "and what if it showed Y" and "what if XYZ"? "What if we come in 3 months and the scans show X"? He doesn't shut me up, he just goes along and answers my questions. I sure love Dr. Kim. <br />
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After leaving MD Anderson, we needed to rush back to our side of town to get Sadie from Pep Squad practice. Apparently it was raining while we were inside and the roads were flooded! It was crazy trying to get out onto the freeway! We made it with 1 minute to spare to get Sadie, picked up Ashlynn and went to dinner to celebrate "NED". We even let the kids get dessert (which we never do)! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ewPqrZImbZE/Uje1d1_2u0I/AAAAAAAAIXM/8iWaNwfQyXE/s1600/20130916_162717.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ewPqrZImbZE/Uje1d1_2u0I/AAAAAAAAIXM/8iWaNwfQyXE/s320/20130916_162717.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crazy "flood" drivers.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWLI2nmpm3Q/Uje1jaxybRI/AAAAAAAAIXc/uCokR4BMC-M/s1600/20130916_162923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GWLI2nmpm3Q/Uje1jaxybRI/AAAAAAAAIXc/uCokR4BMC-M/s320/20130916_162923.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nothing like trying to get home in a hurry!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3sVm761m2c/Uje1gGTqzxI/AAAAAAAAIXU/9R0xgZpiAOI/s1600/20130916_162848.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-e3sVm761m2c/Uje1gGTqzxI/AAAAAAAAIXU/9R0xgZpiAOI/s320/20130916_162848.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Too much water!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRGbI8wKZC8/Uje1yHCAdFI/AAAAAAAAIX0/jF6g023KQfI/s1600/20130916_183847.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mRGbI8wKZC8/Uje1yHCAdFI/AAAAAAAAIX0/jF6g023KQfI/s320/20130916_183847.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dessert!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PRUo1AEx-I/Uje1uS2NtBI/AAAAAAAAIXs/6asF2T_0J_w/s1600/20130916_180255.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0PRUo1AEx-I/Uje1uS2NtBI/AAAAAAAAIXs/6asF2T_0J_w/s320/20130916_180255.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Daddy and Sadie</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7xGtWt5EkU/Uje1rLUcgVI/AAAAAAAAIXk/W-1ri4-AO0w/s1600/20130916_180236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a><br /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7xGtWt5EkU/Uje1rLUcgVI/AAAAAAAAIXk/W-1ri4-AO0w/s1600/20130916_180236.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-y7xGtWt5EkU/Uje1rLUcgVI/AAAAAAAAIXk/W-1ri4-AO0w/s320/20130916_180236.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meet "NED"</td></tr>
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<br /><br />We are so happy that Steve is NED! We are also VERY realistic to the fact that there is NO cure for melanoma. Steve can be NED 5 years or 5 days. The melanoma can reappear at any moment. But today, we celebrate NED. We celebrate being the BEST you can be while fighting melanoma. <br />
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Thank you to everyone for your love, prayers, and support. You're the best!!! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-So5ugkvTOcQ/Uje1CqBFIUI/AAAAAAAAIUA/wUalKVhwZhE/s1600/20130916_111202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-So5ugkvTOcQ/Uje1CqBFIUI/AAAAAAAAIUA/wUalKVhwZhE/s320/20130916_111202.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Peace, Love, Cure Melanoma!</td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-76175912538480117222013-09-15T23:18:00.002-05:002013-09-15T23:19:42.928-05:00Scan DayToday was relatively uneventful. We had to be at MD Anderson at 7:40am which meant we had to leave the house at 7:00am. First on Steve's schedule was a CT of his abdominal area. With this scan, he can not eat for 3 hours prior. So, we just skipped breakfast altogether. After the CT scan, we caught the tram over to The Rotary House to have breakfast at The Oaks. Luckily, the buffet was still going because we only had about 30 minutes until we had to be back over to the Mays Clinic for his MRI. The buffet was not very good. Most of the food was cold, hard, had been sitting, etc. Then I about choked when I found out the buffet was $16 per person!! You've got to be kidding me?!?!?! I did manage to find a hot Texas shaped waffle and Steve got a nice, fresh omlet. I don't like eggs, so that wasn't an option for me. I loaded up on fresh fruit for the most part. After breakfast, we headed back over to The Mays Clinic for Steve's MRI. This took a lot longer than I remember. He does not get an MRI with every set of scans, but it had been a while, so Dr. Kim decided to take a look this time around. After the MRI, we headed home to watch some football! We have to be back at MD Anderson tomorrow at 9am. Steve will have a CT scan of his neck, a dermatology appointment and an appointment to go over the results of his scans. <br />
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I will post results tomorrow......<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6RShmMJD3o/UjaGMKcxxtI/AAAAAAAAITk/sZql_vEiDko/s1600/20130915_074935.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m6RShmMJD3o/UjaGMKcxxtI/AAAAAAAAITk/sZql_vEiDko/s320/20130915_074935.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Steve waiting patiently for his CT scan. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQYUTdd-T6k/UjaGL2ULF-I/AAAAAAAAITg/Nmh1Lm_92h0/s1600/20130915_105502.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KQYUTdd-T6k/UjaGL2ULF-I/AAAAAAAAITg/Nmh1Lm_92h0/s320/20130915_105502.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AIM at Melanoma poster for this weekends walk. If you would like to sponsor us, you can do so at <a href="http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/en/aim-for-action/1158/1159/houston-2013/6567.html#">http://www.aimatmelanoma.org/en/aim-for-action/1158/1159/houston-2013/6567.html#</a></td></tr>
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-20117673499139235282013-09-06T21:28:00.000-05:002013-09-06T21:28:49.862-05:009 days and counting......Melanoma has definitely changed our world upside down. We live our life in 3 month intervals. Steve has scans, we get the results and then we breath a sigh a relief (luckily that is how it has gone so far). We go home, celebrate and live "normal" lives for about a month. After about a month, I subconsciously begin thinking about the next scans. I may not know exactly how many days until scan day, but I am aware it is in a couple of months. I double check Steve's online portal and make sure they have all of the correct tests and appointments scheduled. Two more weeks pass. Now Steve is about 6 weeks out from scans. At this point, I am no longer celebrating the good news from the last scans, but fearing the worse on the next scans. For the next month, I watch carefully every move Steve makes. "Is that cough related to melanoma?" "Is that fatigue related to melanoma?" "Maybe I should call and get his scans moved up?" I feel his lymph nodes. I feel his side of the bed the moment he wakes up to make sure it isn't drenched in sweat (like it was prior to diagnosis). Some people (including myself) have coined the phrase "scanxiety". I am beginning to realize that it is not "scanxiety" at all, but instead this is our new life. This will never go away. Today we are 9 days away from CT scans and 10 days away from results. At this point I am no longer fearful, but anxious (or maybe a combination of both). Result day can't get here quick enough. We have the next 3 months of our life to plan; whether it is more treatment or celebrating until the next scans. <br />
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<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-64187166132842681722013-06-18T22:08:00.003-05:002013-06-18T22:12:27.532-05:00Official results are in.......I often tell Steve that I have more anxiety waiting for the official scan reports to come in rather than getting the initial scan results back from Dr. Kim. Dr. Kim usually has only looked over the scans himself and maybe listened to some dictated notes, but the official report is never ready. This time around was no different. I have spent the last 8 days checking Steve's online portal (multiple times a day) for his official scan results. Today, finally, the reports were in. As always, there is information in the reports that is confusing and we will need to speak with Dr. Kim about and possibly see some different specialists about.<br />
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The great news is that it is confirmed that there is no new melanoma, the lung nodule decreased in size about 33% (from 3mm to 2mm), and the clavicular lymph node shrank by about 25% (from 16mm X 16mm to 12 mm X 13mm). We hope that when we return in September the Yervoy has shrank the tumors even more!<br />
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The oddball things on his official reports:<br />
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<ol>
<li><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">There is some cortical thinning in the lower pole of the left kidney.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">Calcified granuloma is noted on the right. There is coronary artery calcification. </span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;">There
is some hyperattenuation within the secretions in the frontal sinuses
and this may be related to inspissated secretions versus fungal
sinusitis.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
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<span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents">These things are clearly stated as having nothing to do with disease progression. The thinning of the lower pole of the left kidney could be due to treatment, but at the same time his kidney functions are fine at this time. From the little I have read online, as long as kidney function is ok, this is not a problem. But, I may schedule Steve an appointment with a kidney doctor anyhow. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents">The calcified granuloma (again, I read very little) does not seem like a big problem, but probably deserves to be checked out more. The issues regarding sinus' and secretions we aren't worried about at all as Steve was sick with a sinus infection or bronchitis when he had his scans. He is cleared up and feeling fine in the sinus'.</span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents">Overall, really good news, we will just need to address a couple of issues to make sure he is not in any danger of any kidney, heart, or lung problems. </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
<span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><br />I have been invited to participate in a Google+ OnAir Interview regarding melanoma, Steve's treatment, my blog, etc. I have my first phone call regarding the interview on Friday. It will probably take a few weeks to get the interview lined up, recorded, edited, etc. I will post as soon as I have a link! </span></span></span></span></span></span></span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Father's Day weekend and our youngest daughter's 3rd birthday!</td></tr>
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<span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><br /></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: small;"><span id="ctl00_pageBody_lblContents"></span></span></span></span> </span></span></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6729262484240138040.post-90530703565403064442013-06-10T22:13:00.003-05:002013-06-10T22:13:25.681-05:00We'll take it!Today Steve had a <a href="http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=headct" target="_blank">head and neck CT scan</a> at 8:30 am. In order for us to get to <a href="http://www.mdanderson.org/" target="_blank">MD Anderson</a> by 8:30 am, we had to have the kids to daycare by 7:30 am. So, needless to say, our morning started very early. The CT scan went relatively smoothly with not too much of a wait. <br />
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After the CT scan, we grabbed a quick snack to hold us over until lunch. Steve can not eat before his CT scans, so he is usually starving by the time they are finished. His appointment with Dr. Kim to go over results was scheduled for 11:15. When we arrived to the clinic area, the status board showed that <a href="http://faculty.mdanderson.org/Kevin_Kim/" target="_blank">Dr. Kim</a> was running 30-60 minutes late. This is not unusual. Dr. Kim is amazing and spends lots of quality time with his patients, so we never mind the wait. I was very sleepy and actually fell asleep in the waiting room for about 30 minutes or so. I never do that!!! (Hope I wasn't snoring!!) We finally got into a room about 1:15. Steve's nurse came in and told us that the reports had not been written up yet so she was not sure of results yet. After a little more waiting, Urvi, the PA came in and told us that everything looked great. The official CT reports were not in yet but she listened to the dictation and Dr. Kim looked at the scans and A) they didn't see anything new and B) the lymph node and lung nodule had both shrank a little more. This is great news! While Steve is still not NED (No Evidence of Disease), it seems that the <a href="http://www.yervoy.com/patient/home.aspx" target="_blank">Yervoy </a>(Ipilimumab) is still doing it's job. Dr. Kim says that about 10% of Yervoy patients have a long durable response. Maybe Steve will be in this category?!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Urvi taking a listen to Steve's heart and lungs.</td></tr>
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After speaking with Dr. Kim, we left the hospital around 2:30 pm. We grabbed a quick lunch at <a href="http://www.rugglesgreen.com/menus/appetizers/" target="_blank">Ruggles Green</a>. I have been trying to eat gluten free and they have an amazing gluten free menu! By about 3:30 we were on our way to pick up the kids. Steve fell asleep in the car. I had a few errands to run and he slept through all of them. When we got home, he went straight to bed and slept till a little after 7:00pm. Scan days/result days are always long and exhausting. Add in the fact that we have been moving for a week straight and you have a couple of very exhausted people! <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yummy gluten free pizza and the manager came over and gave us a free gluten free brownie with ice cream....yum!!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
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Dr. Kim is scheduling Steve to come back in 3 months for scans again. The next set of scans will also include an <a href="http://www.webmd.com/brain/magnetic-resonance-imaging-mri-of-the-head" target="_blank">MRI of the brain</a>. Melanoma is sneaky and likes to travel to the brain, so we have to be sure to stay on top of that as well. Ironically, Steve does not see a dermatologist. Steve has an "unknown" primary meaning he basically just woke up one day with Stage 4 melanoma. They have never been able to find a mole that they think the melanoma originated from. On his next visit, he will also start seeing a dermatologist. Hopefully the dermatologist with map his moles so we can keep a good eye on them. He has wayyyyy too many for me to keep up with (although I try!). <br />
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I hope to not have anything to update the blog with regarding Steve's treatments/scans/etc for the next few months. However, I will try to post some news articles, advocacy information, etc. <br /><br />Thank you to everyone for your love and support!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4