MRF-Logo2019-Horizontal-RGB
18 (plus) months later
REGISTER
The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Content within the patient forum is user-generated and has not been reviewed by medical professionals. Other sections of the Melanoma Research Foundation website include information that has been reviewed by medical professionals as appropriate. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with your doctor or other qualified medical professional.

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
                                              • You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
                                              About the MRF Patient Forum

                                              The MRF Patient Forum is the oldest and largest online community of people affected by melanoma. It is designed to provide peer support and information to caregivers, patients, family and friends. There is no better place to discuss different parts of your journey with this cancer and find the friends and support resources to make that journey more bearable.

                                              The information on the forum is open and accessible to everyone. To add a new topic or to post a reply, you must be a registered user. Please note that you will be able to post both topics and replies anonymously even though you are logged in. All posts must abide by MRF posting policies.

                                              Popular Topics