18 (plus) months later
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18 (plus) months later

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › 18 (plus) months later

  • Post
    • May 13, 2016 at 4:34 am
    AshleyS
    Participant

    Today I realized something. Yesterday it was 18 months since I sat in a cold office at Mayo Clinic and was told I had 12-18 months left to live. 

    A lot has happened in 18 months….

    I went on chemotherapy – and failed chemotherapy. 

    I moved my entire family (my husband and our 2 year old and 3 month old) from ND to TX to go to M.D. Anderson. 

    I had a tumor harvested in case I will ever need TIL therapy. 

    I went on the ipi/nivo trial – and got kicked off after 3 infusions. 

    I saw success in my first set of scans.

    I moved back home.

    The combination trial that may have saved my life was FDA approved. 

    I started Opdivo monotherapy.

    I re-entered graduate school. 

    I celebrated my 32nd birthday (and my husband's…and my daughter's 3rd….and my son's 1st.)

    I received NED status. 

    My husband and I bought a lake cabin we've always dreamed of owning. 

    And with the realization that it's now 18 months later, I realize my sweet little boy is 18 months old!

    And in between all these milestones, is "ordinary" life…Play-Doh, doctors appointments, bath time, treatment, dance class, naps, temper tantrums, hugs and kisses……

    Keep on keeping on!

    Ashley

Viewing 20 reply threads
  • Replies
      • May 13, 2016 at 9:16 am
      Mat
      Participant

      Great news Ashley!

      • May 13, 2016 at 9:16 am
      Mat
      Participant

      Great news Ashley!

      • May 13, 2016 at 9:16 am
      Mat
      Participant

      Great news Ashley!

      • May 13, 2016 at 1:04 pm
      Johnjk04
      Participant

      Oh Hoo Sweet !!!!!!

      • May 13, 2016 at 1:04 pm
      Johnjk04
      Participant

      Oh Hoo Sweet !!!!!!

      • May 13, 2016 at 1:04 pm
      Johnjk04
      Participant

      Oh Hoo Sweet !!!!!!

      • May 13, 2016 at 2:42 pm
      Bubbles
      Participant

      Wonderful…in so many ways!  Enjoy! c

      • May 13, 2016 at 2:42 pm
      Bubbles
      Participant

      Wonderful…in so many ways!  Enjoy! c

      • May 13, 2016 at 2:42 pm
      Bubbles
      Participant

      Wonderful…in so many ways!  Enjoy! c

      • May 13, 2016 at 4:22 pm
      jennunicorn
      Participant

      Congrats Ashley!! So glad you're doing great!

      • May 13, 2016 at 4:22 pm
      jennunicorn
      Participant

      Congrats Ashley!! So glad you're doing great!

      • May 13, 2016 at 4:22 pm
      jennunicorn
      Participant

      Congrats Ashley!! So glad you're doing great!

      • May 13, 2016 at 6:33 pm
      BrianP
      Participant

      Congrats Ashley.  Your story is amazing.  Having young ones my self I can certainly relate to the in between milestones. 

      Your first thread on here was one that really stuck out to me.  I couldn't be happier for you and your family.

      http://www.melanoma.org/find-support/patient-community/mpip-melanoma-patients-information-page/newly-diagnosed-stage-iv-need

      Brian

      • May 13, 2016 at 6:33 pm
      BrianP
      Participant

      Congrats Ashley.  Your story is amazing.  Having young ones my self I can certainly relate to the in between milestones. 

      Your first thread on here was one that really stuck out to me.  I couldn't be happier for you and your family.

      http://www.melanoma.org/find-support/patient-community/mpip-melanoma-patients-information-page/newly-diagnosed-stage-iv-need

      Brian

      • May 13, 2016 at 6:33 pm
      BrianP
      Participant

      Congrats Ashley.  Your story is amazing.  Having young ones my self I can certainly relate to the in between milestones. 

      Your first thread on here was one that really stuck out to me.  I couldn't be happier for you and your family.

      http://www.melanoma.org/find-support/patient-community/mpip-melanoma-patients-information-page/newly-diagnosed-stage-iv-need

      Brian

      • May 15, 2016 at 8:47 pm
      sister of patient
      Participant

      Hi Ashley – This is such a great story – it moved me to tears, of happiness!!! Thank you so much for sharing and I wish you and your family all the best that life can give you!!!

      Barb

       

      • May 15, 2016 at 8:47 pm
      sister of patient
      Participant

      Hi Ashley – This is such a great story – it moved me to tears, of happiness!!! Thank you so much for sharing and I wish you and your family all the best that life can give you!!!

      Barb

       

      • May 15, 2016 at 8:47 pm
      sister of patient
      Participant

      Hi Ashley – This is such a great story – it moved me to tears, of happiness!!! Thank you so much for sharing and I wish you and your family all the best that life can give you!!!

      Barb

       

      • May 18, 2016 at 8:56 pm
      DZnDef
      Participant

      I'm so happy for you, Ashley!  Congratulations on exceeding your expiration date (shows you what he knew)! Welcome to "bonus time"!!  The extra sweetness of life when we no longer take it for granted.  Excellent post!  Keep them coming year after year!

      • May 18, 2016 at 8:56 pm
      DZnDef
      Participant

      I'm so happy for you, Ashley!  Congratulations on exceeding your expiration date (shows you what he knew)! Welcome to "bonus time"!!  The extra sweetness of life when we no longer take it for granted.  Excellent post!  Keep them coming year after year!

      • May 18, 2016 at 8:56 pm
      DZnDef
      Participant

      I'm so happy for you, Ashley!  Congratulations on exceeding your expiration date (shows you what he knew)! Welcome to "bonus time"!!  The extra sweetness of life when we no longer take it for granted.  Excellent post!  Keep them coming year after year!

Viewing 20 reply threads
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