3 months BRAF = GREAT scans
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3 months BRAF = GREAT scans

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › 3 months BRAF = GREAT scans

  • Post
    • November 9, 2011 at 1:28 am
    TracyLee
    Participant

    Hi y'all,

    I know many are struggling on the board right now, and I pray for each of you whether patient, family or friend. 

    That being said, on to some good news. We all need to hear the good, along with the bad when we are terrified or feel hopeless. 

    Got my scan results today. My lungs which previously had "innumerable" nodules (looked like someone blew baby powder on the image!) are all almost resolved! Fluid is gone from right lung, left lung is virtually clear except for a very small amount of fluid. 

    Hi y'all,

    I know many are struggling on the board right now, and I pray for each of you whether patient, family or friend. 

    That being said, on to some good news. We all need to hear the good, along with the bad when we are terrified or feel hopeless. 

    Got my scan results today. My lungs which previously had "innumerable" nodules (looked like someone blew baby powder on the image!) are all almost resolved! Fluid is gone from right lung, left lung is virtually clear except for a very small amount of fluid. 

    My neck is down by over half, or more, on the different measurements. My surgical oncologists jaw dropped, all he could say was "WOW". EKG and labs, all normal. 

    So, do not give up hope. Every  treatment is not going to work for everyone, but keep trying, trust in God and I lift you all also in prayer.

    TracyLee Stage IV May 2011

Viewing 53 reply threads
  • Replies
      • November 9, 2011 at 1:37 am
      lhaley
      Participant

      So excited for you!  It's always nice to hear good news.

      Linda

        • November 9, 2011 at 1:44 am
        TracyLee
        Participant

        Linda,

        I know you've been through the wringer. Sometimes I feel hesitant about posting a happy post, but feel we all need to see the good, not just the bad.

        Praying for you, and glad you've been able to wean down on the steroids!

        TracyLee

        • November 9, 2011 at 1:44 am
        TracyLee
        Participant

        Linda,

        I know you've been through the wringer. Sometimes I feel hesitant about posting a happy post, but feel we all need to see the good, not just the bad.

        Praying for you, and glad you've been able to wean down on the steroids!

        TracyLee

        • November 9, 2011 at 1:44 am
        TracyLee
        Participant

        Linda,

        I know you've been through the wringer. Sometimes I feel hesitant about posting a happy post, but feel we all need to see the good, not just the bad.

        Praying for you, and glad you've been able to wean down on the steroids!

        TracyLee

      • November 9, 2011 at 1:37 am
      lhaley
      Participant

      So excited for you!  It's always nice to hear good news.

      Linda

      • November 9, 2011 at 1:37 am
      lhaley
      Participant

      So excited for you!  It's always nice to hear good news.

      Linda

      • November 9, 2011 at 1:46 am
      glewis923
      Participant

      I'm very happy for you TracyLee.  I must admit i feel "guilty" at times about my own successes;  and even worse angry or jealous when someone is stressing over stage 1 or 2!  I know i'm wrong to feel that way, but being honest helps.  I learn much about humility and gratefulness from you and others.  Thank you…..and i AM happy about your scan results.  My lung issues-mutiple- were also mostly gone on last scan- i attribute yervoy, 1 mth. Zelboraf, and God- not nessesarily in that order.

      Take Care,  Grady.

        • November 9, 2011 at 1:53 am
        TracyLee
        Participant

        Grady,

        They all feel I didn't respond to ipi. God is the healer, guiding the doctors. Zelboraf is my drug of choice, for now! We all know that could change. I was happy to celebrate another birthday. Truly do NOT take the little things for granted anymore, and actually try to enjoy the daily stuff most take for granted.

        Lung mets are awful, I wouldn't wish THAT on my worst enemy. I felt like I was drowning, but not now!

        TracyLee

        • November 9, 2011 at 1:53 am
        TracyLee
        Participant

        Grady,

        They all feel I didn't respond to ipi. God is the healer, guiding the doctors. Zelboraf is my drug of choice, for now! We all know that could change. I was happy to celebrate another birthday. Truly do NOT take the little things for granted anymore, and actually try to enjoy the daily stuff most take for granted.

        Lung mets are awful, I wouldn't wish THAT on my worst enemy. I felt like I was drowning, but not now!

        TracyLee

        • November 9, 2011 at 1:53 am
        TracyLee
        Participant

        Grady,

        They all feel I didn't respond to ipi. God is the healer, guiding the doctors. Zelboraf is my drug of choice, for now! We all know that could change. I was happy to celebrate another birthday. Truly do NOT take the little things for granted anymore, and actually try to enjoy the daily stuff most take for granted.

        Lung mets are awful, I wouldn't wish THAT on my worst enemy. I felt like I was drowning, but not now!

        TracyLee

      • November 9, 2011 at 1:46 am
      glewis923
      Participant

      I'm very happy for you TracyLee.  I must admit i feel "guilty" at times about my own successes;  and even worse angry or jealous when someone is stressing over stage 1 or 2!  I know i'm wrong to feel that way, but being honest helps.  I learn much about humility and gratefulness from you and others.  Thank you…..and i AM happy about your scan results.  My lung issues-mutiple- were also mostly gone on last scan- i attribute yervoy, 1 mth. Zelboraf, and God- not nessesarily in that order.

      Take Care,  Grady.

      • November 9, 2011 at 1:46 am
      glewis923
      Participant

      I'm very happy for you TracyLee.  I must admit i feel "guilty" at times about my own successes;  and even worse angry or jealous when someone is stressing over stage 1 or 2!  I know i'm wrong to feel that way, but being honest helps.  I learn much about humility and gratefulness from you and others.  Thank you…..and i AM happy about your scan results.  My lung issues-mutiple- were also mostly gone on last scan- i attribute yervoy, 1 mth. Zelboraf, and God- not nessesarily in that order.

      Take Care,  Grady.

      • November 9, 2011 at 1:49 am
      Rocco
      Participant

      TracyLee –

      Such great news!  Congrats on the good results!

      -Rocco, Stage IV, ipi responder

      • November 9, 2011 at 1:49 am
      Rocco
      Participant

      TracyLee –

      Such great news!  Congrats on the good results!

      -Rocco, Stage IV, ipi responder

      • November 9, 2011 at 1:49 am
      Rocco
      Participant

      TracyLee –

      Such great news!  Congrats on the good results!

      -Rocco, Stage IV, ipi responder

      • November 9, 2011 at 2:19 am
      cwu
      Participant

      Congrats Tracy. I have been following your postings and know you had some rough times so I am very happy this treatment is working and you had clear scans.

      Chau

        • November 9, 2011 at 2:44 am
        Karin L
        Participant

        Super good news Tracy, congrats!  Praise to our Lord for hearing our prayers!

        Karin

        • November 9, 2011 at 2:44 am
        Karin L
        Participant

        Super good news Tracy, congrats!  Praise to our Lord for hearing our prayers!

        Karin

        • November 9, 2011 at 2:44 am
        Karin L
        Participant

        Super good news Tracy, congrats!  Praise to our Lord for hearing our prayers!

        Karin

      • November 9, 2011 at 2:19 am
      cwu
      Participant

      Congrats Tracy. I have been following your postings and know you had some rough times so I am very happy this treatment is working and you had clear scans.

      Chau

      • November 9, 2011 at 2:19 am
      cwu
      Participant

      Congrats Tracy. I have been following your postings and know you had some rough times so I am very happy this treatment is working and you had clear scans.

      Chau

      • November 9, 2011 at 3:11 am
      washoegal
      Participant

      WOW – congratulations.  Hard work, prayers and perseverance has finally paid off.  Keep up the good work.

       

      BTW what BRAF inhibitor are you on?

      • November 9, 2011 at 3:11 am
      washoegal
      Participant

      WOW – congratulations.  Hard work, prayers and perseverance has finally paid off.  Keep up the good work.

       

      BTW what BRAF inhibitor are you on?

      • November 9, 2011 at 3:11 am
      washoegal
      Participant

      WOW – congratulations.  Hard work, prayers and perseverance has finally paid off.  Keep up the good work.

       

      BTW what BRAF inhibitor are you on?

      • November 9, 2011 at 3:38 am
      FormerCaregiver
      Participant

      TracyLee, this is truly wonderful news! Praying that you are now able to achieve a durable remission.

      I also pray for all those who are struggling with melanoma, and encourage everyone to do the same.

      Take care

      Frank from Australia

        • November 9, 2011 at 4:18 am
        deardad
        Participant

        Hi TracyLee,

        That's truly wonderful news…..Enjoy while the sun shines (should I say the shade on this drug).

        My dad had a complete response in the first month and due for 2nd month scan tomorrow. Hope you too are a complete responder!

        Take care

        Nahmi from Melbourne

        • November 9, 2011 at 4:18 am
        deardad
        Participant

        Hi TracyLee,

        That's truly wonderful news…..Enjoy while the sun shines (should I say the shade on this drug).

        My dad had a complete response in the first month and due for 2nd month scan tomorrow. Hope you too are a complete responder!

        Take care

        Nahmi from Melbourne

        • November 9, 2011 at 4:18 am
        deardad
        Participant

        Hi TracyLee,

        That's truly wonderful news…..Enjoy while the sun shines (should I say the shade on this drug).

        My dad had a complete response in the first month and due for 2nd month scan tomorrow. Hope you too are a complete responder!

        Take care

        Nahmi from Melbourne

      • November 9, 2011 at 3:38 am
      FormerCaregiver
      Participant

      TracyLee, this is truly wonderful news! Praying that you are now able to achieve a durable remission.

      I also pray for all those who are struggling with melanoma, and encourage everyone to do the same.

      Take care

      Frank from Australia

      • November 9, 2011 at 3:38 am
      FormerCaregiver
      Participant

      TracyLee, this is truly wonderful news! Praying that you are now able to achieve a durable remission.

      I also pray for all those who are struggling with melanoma, and encourage everyone to do the same.

      Take care

      Frank from Australia

      • November 9, 2011 at 4:35 am
      MaryD
      Participant

      That's fantastic news TracyLee – so happy for you!    You have been through a lot and encouraging news like this needs to be shared.

      Wishing you continued success and hope you celebrate these wonderful results . .

      Mary

      • November 9, 2011 at 4:35 am
      MaryD
      Participant

      That's fantastic news TracyLee – so happy for you!    You have been through a lot and encouraging news like this needs to be shared.

      Wishing you continued success and hope you celebrate these wonderful results . .

      Mary

      • November 9, 2011 at 4:35 am
      MaryD
      Participant

      That's fantastic news TracyLee – so happy for you!    You have been through a lot and encouraging news like this needs to be shared.

      Wishing you continued success and hope you celebrate these wonderful results . .

      Mary

      • November 9, 2011 at 4:48 am
      momof2kids
      Participant

      Very happy to see all the shrinkage, etc.  Always good news for those out there to see that happen!

       

      • November 9, 2011 at 4:48 am
      momof2kids
      Participant

      Very happy to see all the shrinkage, etc.  Always good news for those out there to see that happen!

       

      • November 9, 2011 at 4:48 am
      momof2kids
      Participant

      Very happy to see all the shrinkage, etc.  Always good news for those out there to see that happen!

       

      • November 9, 2011 at 5:21 am
      mombase
      Participant

      Tracy Lee, You rock, and so does God!!! Congratulations!

      Cristy, Stage IV

        • November 9, 2011 at 7:01 am
        o2bcheri
        Participant

         

        yayyy,,,, so happy to hear the good news Tracy….

         

        xxx

        • November 9, 2011 at 7:01 am
        o2bcheri
        Participant

         

        yayyy,,,, so happy to hear the good news Tracy….

         

        xxx

        • November 9, 2011 at 7:01 am
        o2bcheri
        Participant

         

        yayyy,,,, so happy to hear the good news Tracy….

         

        xxx

      • November 9, 2011 at 5:21 am
      mombase
      Participant

      Tracy Lee, You rock, and so does God!!! Congratulations!

      Cristy, Stage IV

      • November 9, 2011 at 5:21 am
      mombase
      Participant

      Tracy Lee, You rock, and so does God!!! Congratulations!

      Cristy, Stage IV

      • November 9, 2011 at 10:08 am
      triciad
      Participant

      TracyLee,

      This is wonderful news…thanks for sharing.  I pray that your success continues for decades!

      Tricia

      • November 9, 2011 at 10:08 am
      triciad
      Participant

      TracyLee,

      This is wonderful news…thanks for sharing.  I pray that your success continues for decades!

      Tricia

        • November 9, 2011 at 12:58 pm
        Laurie from maine
        Participant

        HOOORAY!!  You must feel so much better without that fluids, and the tumors in your lungs.  Congratulations on such a great response.  We all have learned to enjoy each day, especially the days we feel GOOD!!! yeah!   I wish/pray for contiued shrinkage.  Thank you for posting

        laurie from maine

        • November 9, 2011 at 12:58 pm
        Laurie from maine
        Participant

        HOOORAY!!  You must feel so much better without that fluids, and the tumors in your lungs.  Congratulations on such a great response.  We all have learned to enjoy each day, especially the days we feel GOOD!!! yeah!   I wish/pray for contiued shrinkage.  Thank you for posting

        laurie from maine

        • November 9, 2011 at 12:58 pm
        Laurie from maine
        Participant

        HOOORAY!!  You must feel so much better without that fluids, and the tumors in your lungs.  Congratulations on such a great response.  We all have learned to enjoy each day, especially the days we feel GOOD!!! yeah!   I wish/pray for contiued shrinkage.  Thank you for posting

        laurie from maine

      • November 9, 2011 at 10:08 am
      triciad
      Participant

      TracyLee,

      This is wonderful news…thanks for sharing.  I pray that your success continues for decades!

      Tricia

      • November 9, 2011 at 1:56 pm
      Richard_K
      Participant
      TracyLee
      Great job and congratulations. I hope you have continued and long term benefit from Zelboraf.
      Dick
      • November 9, 2011 at 1:56 pm
      Richard_K
      Participant
      TracyLee
      Great job and congratulations. I hope you have continued and long term benefit from Zelboraf.
      Dick
      • November 9, 2011 at 1:56 pm
      Richard_K
      Participant
      TracyLee
      Great job and congratulations. I hope you have continued and long term benefit from Zelboraf.
      Dick
      • November 9, 2011 at 2:09 pm
      Gene_S
      Participant

      Wow TracyLee that is great news.  Keep up the good work with your new friend Zel. and continue into NED.  I pray for you everyday as well as others on the board to beat this nasty Mel.

      Judy (loving wife and caregiver of Gene)

      • November 9, 2011 at 2:09 pm
      Gene_S
      Participant

      Wow TracyLee that is great news.  Keep up the good work with your new friend Zel. and continue into NED.  I pray for you everyday as well as others on the board to beat this nasty Mel.

      Judy (loving wife and caregiver of Gene)

      • November 9, 2011 at 2:09 pm
      Gene_S
      Participant

      Wow TracyLee that is great news.  Keep up the good work with your new friend Zel. and continue into NED.  I pray for you everyday as well as others on the board to beat this nasty Mel.

      Judy (loving wife and caregiver of Gene)

      • November 9, 2011 at 4:09 pm
      o2bcheri
      Participant

       

      tracy…

      this is GREAT news… and so screwed up that you need to feel anything but total elation and excitement that finally

      something is working on your mel…. 

      i do not have any disease.. i am here for my best friend who has it.. and i want to keep up with anything and everything that he might at some point need.. right now he is NED..thank god..

      i watch.. i read.. and care so much about each and every one of you.. i seem to remember not too long ago.. when you were having a rather rough time..

       

      so… to hear this fabulous news puts a big smile on my face…

       

      YAYYYYYY….. 

       

      Michele

      • November 9, 2011 at 4:09 pm
      o2bcheri
      Participant

       

      tracy…

      this is GREAT news… and so screwed up that you need to feel anything but total elation and excitement that finally

      something is working on your mel…. 

      i do not have any disease.. i am here for my best friend who has it.. and i want to keep up with anything and everything that he might at some point need.. right now he is NED..thank god..

      i watch.. i read.. and care so much about each and every one of you.. i seem to remember not too long ago.. when you were having a rather rough time..

       

      so… to hear this fabulous news puts a big smile on my face…

       

      YAYYYYYY….. 

       

      Michele

      • November 9, 2011 at 4:09 pm
      o2bcheri
      Participant

       

      tracy…

      this is GREAT news… and so screwed up that you need to feel anything but total elation and excitement that finally

      something is working on your mel…. 

      i do not have any disease.. i am here for my best friend who has it.. and i want to keep up with anything and everything that he might at some point need.. right now he is NED..thank god..

      i watch.. i read.. and care so much about each and every one of you.. i seem to remember not too long ago.. when you were having a rather rough time..

       

      so… to hear this fabulous news puts a big smile on my face…

       

      YAYYYYYY….. 

       

      Michele

      • November 9, 2011 at 7:10 pm
      Carol Taylor
      Participant

      Hallelujah Fearless Leader! I am so happy for you I can hardly stand it! Keep the great news coming and celebrate.

      • November 9, 2011 at 7:10 pm
      Carol Taylor
      Participant

      Hallelujah Fearless Leader! I am so happy for you I can hardly stand it! Keep the great news coming and celebrate.

        • November 9, 2011 at 7:26 pm
        NYKaren
        Participant

        FANTASTIC news.  I'm so happy for you!  You've been through so much.  Hurray!

        • November 9, 2011 at 7:26 pm
        NYKaren
        Participant

        FANTASTIC news.  I'm so happy for you!  You've been through so much.  Hurray!

        • November 9, 2011 at 7:26 pm
        NYKaren
        Participant

        FANTASTIC news.  I'm so happy for you!  You've been through so much.  Hurray!

      • November 9, 2011 at 7:10 pm
      Carol Taylor
      Participant

      Hallelujah Fearless Leader! I am so happy for you I can hardly stand it! Keep the great news coming and celebrate.

      • November 9, 2011 at 8:04 pm
      vickykay
      Participant

      Praise the Lord!!!  I am so happy for you. It is so good to hear good news.

      Vickykay

      Stage 3b

      • November 9, 2011 at 8:04 pm
      vickykay
      Participant

      Praise the Lord!!!  I am so happy for you. It is so good to hear good news.

      Vickykay

      Stage 3b

      • November 9, 2011 at 8:04 pm
      vickykay
      Participant

      Praise the Lord!!!  I am so happy for you. It is so good to hear good news.

      Vickykay

      Stage 3b

      • November 10, 2011 at 12:07 am
      Lauri England
      Participant

      I am so excited for you.  How wonderful good news can be.  Thank you for sharing and God Bless!!

      • November 10, 2011 at 12:07 am
      Lauri England
      Participant

      I am so excited for you.  How wonderful good news can be.  Thank you for sharing and God Bless!!

      • November 10, 2011 at 12:07 am
      Lauri England
      Participant

      I am so excited for you.  How wonderful good news can be.  Thank you for sharing and God Bless!!

      • November 10, 2011 at 3:41 am
      LynnLuc
      Participant

      It's great news!! YAY!!!

      • November 10, 2011 at 3:41 am
      LynnLuc
      Participant

      It's great news!! YAY!!!

      • November 10, 2011 at 3:41 am
      LynnLuc
      Participant

      It's great news!! YAY!!!

        • November 10, 2011 at 8:26 am
        deardad
        Participant

        It blows me away how supportive everyone on this board is.

        You're all amazing….

        Nahmi from Melbourne

        • November 10, 2011 at 8:26 am
        deardad
        Participant

        It blows me away how supportive everyone on this board is.

        You're all amazing….

        Nahmi from Melbourne

        • November 10, 2011 at 8:26 am
        deardad
        Participant

        It blows me away how supportive everyone on this board is.

        You're all amazing….

        Nahmi from Melbourne

      • November 11, 2011 at 7:30 pm
      lyndaloo
      Participant

      Wow TracyLee – I was amazed at your results.  I am so happy for you. I remember reading how you are a working mom with teenagers and dealing with this disease at the same time.  Your encouraging words will hold strong as my husband starts ipi next week.  Way to go!!!!

      Lyndaloo

        • November 12, 2011 at 12:23 pm
        Vermont_Donna
        Participant

        Dear TracyLee,

          I am so happy for you and so excited that the BRAF drug is working. I feel that with many people, one treatment that initially looks good for us buys time for us to then try another treatment and so on….that is how I have lived the last 5 years, a succession of treatments that buys me periods of NED time. And has kept me still stage 3a. This is similar for what you are going through. Well we all have hope that the treatment we are doing currently is THE one to render us NED forever, so we need to have hope always.

        Thanks for your uplifting news and sharing the ups and downs with us, your melanoma family.

        Vermont_Donna, stage 3a, NED

        • November 12, 2011 at 12:23 pm
        Vermont_Donna
        Participant

        Dear TracyLee,

          I am so happy for you and so excited that the BRAF drug is working. I feel that with many people, one treatment that initially looks good for us buys time for us to then try another treatment and so on….that is how I have lived the last 5 years, a succession of treatments that buys me periods of NED time. And has kept me still stage 3a. This is similar for what you are going through. Well we all have hope that the treatment we are doing currently is THE one to render us NED forever, so we need to have hope always.

        Thanks for your uplifting news and sharing the ups and downs with us, your melanoma family.

        Vermont_Donna, stage 3a, NED

        • November 12, 2011 at 12:23 pm
        Vermont_Donna
        Participant

        Dear TracyLee,

          I am so happy for you and so excited that the BRAF drug is working. I feel that with many people, one treatment that initially looks good for us buys time for us to then try another treatment and so on….that is how I have lived the last 5 years, a succession of treatments that buys me periods of NED time. And has kept me still stage 3a. This is similar for what you are going through. Well we all have hope that the treatment we are doing currently is THE one to render us NED forever, so we need to have hope always.

        Thanks for your uplifting news and sharing the ups and downs with us, your melanoma family.

        Vermont_Donna, stage 3a, NED

      • November 11, 2011 at 7:30 pm
      lyndaloo
      Participant

      Wow TracyLee – I was amazed at your results.  I am so happy for you. I remember reading how you are a working mom with teenagers and dealing with this disease at the same time.  Your encouraging words will hold strong as my husband starts ipi next week.  Way to go!!!!

      Lyndaloo

      • November 11, 2011 at 7:30 pm
      lyndaloo
      Participant

      Wow TracyLee – I was amazed at your results.  I am so happy for you. I remember reading how you are a working mom with teenagers and dealing with this disease at the same time.  Your encouraging words will hold strong as my husband starts ipi next week.  Way to go!!!!

      Lyndaloo

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