Update

I had a doctor appointment yesterday and it went fairly well. About 3 weeks ago I started taking a daily pill, which is considered targeted therapy. I have seemed to have had good results with it so far with nearly no pain, which has been encouraging. I still have days with fatigue and low energy but overall I’ve felt better. My doctor was pleased with my report of how I was feeling and wants to keep me on this pill for now.

He spoke of many different types of immune therapy that might be a possibility for the future. This is all kind of up in the air based on my symptoms and coverage for prescriptions.

He also talked to me about a study in Maryland that he would like to see me get in to. They collected blood work yesterday to see if I may qualify for that study. This particular study would remove my T cells, mutate them in some way so they were made to fight the melanoma and then put back in me. He was going to send us more information on this study.

My next appointment will be in a month. I will need another biopsy so they can do the gene mapping. I will get another scan the week of my next appointment for him to compare to previous scans. Unfortunately I also had to get the Xgeva shot this time. It is in my best interest because it is keeping my bones strong but for the next ~4 days afterwards I have a great deal of pain all throughout my body from it.

Overall things went well. It is so difficult to recap everything due to the shear amount of info given in a short time and so many things are up in the air at this point. I’m so thankful for the good past few weeks I have had though. Thank you again for all your help and prayers.