You are very kind to ask after me, Marc. I am well. Just hit the 6 month mark post the ex-goblet cell adenocarcinoma of my appendix. Don't blame you a bit for not remembering that gobble-de-gook!!! The first couple months I had to look at a paper my B had written it down on to remember it myself! And basically, no one knows what to do with it, other than treat it like colon cancer, so that's what we did and what we may as well call it! I reference it as technically diagnosed on my blog and such so that other poor souls who are so afflicted may find the material we have gleaned if they are interested.
I completed CAPOX hell (the combo of oxaliplatin IV and capecitibine orally) at the end of December. After two abdominal surgeries, malnutrition with significant weight loss, and all the side effects from the chemo…the past 6 months have been "interesting" to say the least!!! HA! I started back running (a euphemism for moving ones legs ever so slightly faster than walking) in January. I am slowly getting stronger, now doing 2 miles most days along with arm weights and core work (sit-ups, push-ups and planks). I have been thrilled to once again be here to see signs of spring in my yard. I have been blessed by the love and kindnesses of dear ones near and far. I am working through some very weird colitis episodes and arthralgias that it seems the chemo has caused. (I had pretty significant joint pain with my immunotherapy that had gradually resolved but seems to have been re-flared by this process.) I am happy to report that I no longer feel like I am walking in clown shoes, as the burning and crazy feelings caused by the neuropathies in my feet are much better, as are the sensations to my hands, with only the tips of my fingers remaining numb. I have to admit to using that to my advantage as I pick up things straight out of the oven while my husband freaks out in horror!!! A girl has to have some fun! HA! I will have my first follow-up scan for all this at the end of the month and recheck with my onc at the beginning of April. Such craziness, right???
Hang tough for all things in your world. Thanks so much for helping out here. Your experiences and all that you have learned through them are of great benefit to those walking in similar melanoma shoes.
Ever yours, celeste
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