Monday, May 30, 2011

Just A Brief Update

First of all, I want to thank each and every one of you who who left a comment on my last blog! It truly warmed my heart and lifted my spirits to see your kind words of support.

When I wrote that blog I was feeling about as bad as I have ever felt. I was extremely fatigued and in a lot of pain. I spent the better part of each day lying on the couch, under the influence of opiate pain killers. I have now been on a new experimental anti-melanoma drug, made my Roche for four days now, and the difference in the way I feel is quite remarkable. I feel much better. I'm still not 100%, as I still get fatigued if I'm on my feet too long, and I still have quite a bit of edema in my legs and abdomen, but that is improving too. The drug has many possible side effects, but so far I have tolerated it very well. I have to go back to the Virginia Cancer Institute about every ten days for blood work and a brief exam. Oddly one of the possible side effects of the drug is squeamish cell carcinoma, another dangerous form of skin cancer, so a full body skin exam has to be performed about once a month to check for that. If any is found, then it can be nipped in the bud.

So overall I am doing well, and I attribute at least a part of that to all of the love that you have sent my way!

As always, I love you all!

Melissa XOXO

13 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for the update...keep them coming as often as possible. That squemish cell carcenoma...is that actually a squamous cell carcinoma? That's what the doctor thought I had on my shoulder, but it turned out to be a basal cell carcinoma which they could just cut out. Hang in there lady, we're all watching over you.

Becca said...

Glad that messages of support have helped in some way. I hope you are on the road to recovery

Becca

Melissa said...

@ Suzi

Thanks for the correction. I've heard it pronounced both ways and never knew wich was correct.

Melissa XX

Lucy Melford said...

Yes, keep us all posted, Melissa. It's good news that the drug is having a positive effect so soon.

Lucy

Halle said...

Yes, as the others have said, thanks for the news. We will keep the good thoughts flowing, never fear! :)

Halle
xox

Calie said...

Been thinking about you, girl. Stay strong and positive.

Miss the pictures of your place in the spring. If you feel up to it, please include some in a post one of these days.

I miss the East Coast!

Calie ccc

Anonymous said...

Very glad to hear the medicine is helping, Melissa, and thanks for the update.

Anonymous said...

Yes, that would be "squamous," but I can understand anyone being squeamish in talking about it. :) I hope you do not experience that particular side effect! Glad the drug treatment is going so well!

Caroline said...

So glad that you are having a positive response, how treatments have come on apace in recent years.

Not squeamish about the full body search I hope!

So many out here depend on your incisive comments, lets hope this treatment gets you back energetic soon.

You will need that energy, remember the grass is growing or are you going to start a wild garden like me?

Leslie Ann said...

So happy to hear that you feel better. I guess the drug likes you as much as we do.

Stace said...

Thanks for your update, you have not been far from my thoughts since your last post.

Glad to hear that the treatment is going well for you!

Hears hoping that it continues along the same path!

Stace

Cynthia Jane said...

Good morning Melissa,

Hope your morning brings you further good feelings and improvement. I am continuing to pray that the Lord will heal you through your doctors' care. That is why he gave us doctors. A speedy recovery...

In much prayer,

Cynthia

Rebecca said...

Melissa,

I've been unable to read the blogs I follow for far too long, and so missed everything you've been going through. Please know that I am keeping you in my prayers.

Rebecca