We had so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving having just learned the great news days before the holiday that the results of Rudy's most recent scans revealed no evidence of disease! For those that do not know his story, he was diagnosed in late February 2013 with Nodular Malignant Melanoma – Stage IV with 15+ mets in his liver and his left groin lymph node. After testing positive for BRAF he was started on Zel in late March of 2013 and had a great result as far as tumor shrinkage, however, he suffered many grade 4 side effects. In July 2013, he started on the Dabrafenib/MEK combo, which he has tolerated much better and he has now reached NED! We are so thankful for this blessing! I am always mindful of the fact that for most patients this treatment will not provide a durable response and the beast will eventually find a way around it, however, we are so grateful and celebrating God's blessings and focusing on the positive and not what may happen.
PDL is coming to UCI where Rudy's oncologist will be heading the trials next month; however, his NED status will not permit him to be a participant. Therefore, I am hopeful that if his status does change that he will then be able to participate but we will cross that bridge when and if we get to it!
For all of you still battling the beast and for your loved ones fighting along with you, you have been in my thoughts and prayers every day. May the Lord be your strength and comfort along this very hard road and may you know that you are not alone and you are loved! God bless you all!
Yours truly,
Gina
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