Hello everyone,
It’s been a while since I’ve posted, here is a quick recap:
May 2016 DX with stage 1b on right calf
June 2017 found a lump in right groin, biopsy shows melanoma
July 2017 CLND to right groin all clear
Dec. 2017 PET shows 10 “spots” on liver
Jan. 2018 started Opdivo only due to pre-existing Colitis
March 2018 PET shows no uptake or “spots” on liver (never showed again in 2 years of PETs)
Dec. 2018 Hemoglobin started taking a dive
Dec. 2018 PET shows two spots in small bowel
Jan. 2019 Had colonoscopy, endoscopy, camera endoscopy to try and find the source of bleed and take a look at small bowel, but it is in a spot that they couldn’t see
Feb. 2019 Had surgery to remove two spots in small bowel…yep…Melanoma
March 2019 Restarted Opdivo
April 2020 after a year of clear PETs Onc says its time to stop Opdivo and only see her every 2 months
So here we are. My first month without an infusion or Dr. visit in 28 months. I am thrilled not having to go to the hospital every 2 weeks (especially now with everything going on), but there is certain comfort in getting blood work and infusions every two weeks. I knew I couldn’t and didn’t want to be on Opdivo forever…28 months is long enough, but I was lucky and had no side effects and, except for the two surgeries, I didn’t miss any work due to the treatments. I’ll still have PETs every 3 months for the rest of this year, then after all is well, spread them out longer next year.
I am so thankful for these results. I’m just hoping the Opdivo has taught my body to keep this disease at bay. I am excited for this next phase of my life. I know it will always be in the back of my mind, but I am hoping the lack of Dr. visits and infusions will keep me focused on the good things.
Best wishes to all of you. Stay safe.
Steve
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