Really?

Oh, Josh.  I'm so sorry.  You've been beat up pretty badly these last few months.  I can't give you insight on the treatment, but just wanted to tell you to be strong and fight this beast with everything you've got!!

Oh, Josh.  I'm so sorry.  You've been beat up pretty badly these last few months.  I can't give you insight on the treatment, but just wanted to tell you to be strong and fight this beast with everything you've got!!

Oh, Josh.  I'm so sorry.  You've been beat up pretty badly these last few months.  I can't give you insight on the treatment, but just wanted to tell you to be strong and fight this beast with everything you've got!!

Josh- I am more towards the beginning of this struggle as I was just diagnosed in March, so I don't have a lot in the way of insight into what may lay ahead for you or suggestions.  But, as a fellow human being who has a small idea of what you're going through, I want to send out lots of love and prayers for you.  All we can do is keep putting one foot in front of the other.  

Hoping, wishing, praying the best for you-

Peggy

Josh- I am more towards the beginning of this struggle as I was just diagnosed in March, so I don't have a lot in the way of insight into what may lay ahead for you or suggestions.  But, as a fellow human being who has a small idea of what you're going through, I want to send out lots of love and prayers for you.  All we can do is keep putting one foot in front of the other.  

Hoping, wishing, praying the best for you-

Peggy

Josh- I am more towards the beginning of this struggle as I was just diagnosed in March, so I don't have a lot in the way of insight into what may lay ahead for you or suggestions.  But, as a fellow human being who has a small idea of what you're going through, I want to send out lots of love and prayers for you.  All we can do is keep putting one foot in front of the other.  

Hoping, wishing, praying the best for you-

Peggy

It is truly like 1 step forward and 8 steps back with this crap. Got the same crap on my scalp too. New sub q's popped up after my last ipi 10mg and it's is truly like you don't even want to scratch a dang itch because there may be a new knot. I was so happy to finish my yervoy with minimal side effects (10 weeks since my first treatment) that I felt like just maybe I will be one of the few responders. Then BOOM, pet scans showing multiple lesions everywhere. Just keep on keeping on with this crap and we're due for good news.

It is truly like 1 step forward and 8 steps back with this crap. Got the same crap on my scalp too. New sub q's popped up after my last ipi 10mg and it's is truly like you don't even want to scratch a dang itch because there may be a new knot. I was so happy to finish my yervoy with minimal side effects (10 weeks since my first treatment) that I felt like just maybe I will be one of the few responders. Then BOOM, pet scans showing multiple lesions everywhere. Just keep on keeping on with this crap and we're due for good news.

It is truly like 1 step forward and 8 steps back with this crap. Got the same crap on my scalp too. New sub q's popped up after my last ipi 10mg and it's is truly like you don't even want to scratch a dang itch because there may be a new knot. I was so happy to finish my yervoy with minimal side effects (10 weeks since my first treatment) that I felt like just maybe I will be one of the few responders. Then BOOM, pet scans showing multiple lesions everywhere. Just keep on keeping on with this crap and we're due for good news.

Hey Josh,

I speak as someone who hasn't had this but is close to people who have this and have had other forms of cancer.  And the only way I can express how I feel about it is "it's frickin' ridiculous".  It's not eloquent but it's true.  It literally makes me angry on behalf of my mom and my husband and people like you.  I know statistically this isn't a true statement, but I truly feel it happens to the best and kindest people (that's just how I feel emotionally).

So sorry you have to deal with this and your family has to deal too.  I would literally karate kick melanoma if I could.  Please let us know if you need anything while in Houston.  Will gladly head over to MD Anderson to support you and family and please know that I'm a support group rock star! 

Hope you get a break today from all this. 

many prayers,

Jackie

Hey Josh,

I speak as someone who hasn't had this but is close to people who have this and have had other forms of cancer.  And the only way I can express how I feel about it is "it's frickin' ridiculous".  It's not eloquent but it's true.  It literally makes me angry on behalf of my mom and my husband and people like you.  I know statistically this isn't a true statement, but I truly feel it happens to the best and kindest people (that's just how I feel emotionally).

So sorry you have to deal with this and your family has to deal too.  I would literally karate kick melanoma if I could.  Please let us know if you need anything while in Houston.  Will gladly head over to MD Anderson to support you and family and please know that I'm a support group rock star! 

Hope you get a break today from all this. 

many prayers,

Jackie

Hey Josh,

I speak as someone who hasn't had this but is close to people who have this and have had other forms of cancer.  And the only way I can express how I feel about it is "it's frickin' ridiculous".  It's not eloquent but it's true.  It literally makes me angry on behalf of my mom and my husband and people like you.  I know statistically this isn't a true statement, but I truly feel it happens to the best and kindest people (that's just how I feel emotionally).

So sorry you have to deal with this and your family has to deal too.  I would literally karate kick melanoma if I could.  Please let us know if you need anything while in Houston.  Will gladly head over to MD Anderson to support you and family and please know that I'm a support group rock star! 

Hope you get a break today from all this. 

many prayers,

Jackie

Hi Josh,

Your frustration and disappointment is completely justified.  Mat just posted a pretty solid interpretation of many of the feelings I share.  Everyone has to deal with this in their own way, but what has worked for me is to make every effort not to dwell on the disease, and actually using this forum to redirect my energies into (hopefully) helping others in the battle.  Sometimes the more you push back, the more hopeless it feels.  Example: stand two people facing each other with palms extended to touch each other.  As soon as one person pushes, the other instinctively pushes back with equal force.  In order to gain control over this situation the person who does not react, and lets the other push without resistance is actually the one in control.  So while this is by no means giving up, it is a way to take control of a bad situation. Stop trying to push-back and as they say, go with the flow.  Deep inside, I am pretty certain this beast will take me, long before my time, but for now, fighting, stressing, and going down any road of depression is going to ruin whatever time I do have left with my wife, daughter, and friends.  Again, please understand I am not trying to minimize what you are going through, but what's happening in our heads is every bit as important as what's happening inside our bodies.  Hang tough, try and stay distracted by what's good in your life and trust God and good doctors will take care of the rest.  Hugs to you and your family.

Gary

Hi Josh,

Your frustration and disappointment is completely justified.  Mat just posted a pretty solid interpretation of many of the feelings I share.  Everyone has to deal with this in their own way, but what has worked for me is to make every effort not to dwell on the disease, and actually using this forum to redirect my energies into (hopefully) helping others in the battle.  Sometimes the more you push back, the more hopeless it feels.  Example: stand two people facing each other with palms extended to touch each other.  As soon as one person pushes, the other instinctively pushes back with equal force.  In order to gain control over this situation the person who does not react, and lets the other push without resistance is actually the one in control.  So while this is by no means giving up, it is a way to take control of a bad situation. Stop trying to push-back and as they say, go with the flow.  Deep inside, I am pretty certain this beast will take me, long before my time, but for now, fighting, stressing, and going down any road of depression is going to ruin whatever time I do have left with my wife, daughter, and friends.  Again, please understand I am not trying to minimize what you are going through, but what's happening in our heads is every bit as important as what's happening inside our bodies.  Hang tough, try and stay distracted by what's good in your life and trust God and good doctors will take care of the rest.  Hugs to you and your family.

Gary

Hi Josh,

Your frustration and disappointment is completely justified.  Mat just posted a pretty solid interpretation of many of the feelings I share.  Everyone has to deal with this in their own way, but what has worked for me is to make every effort not to dwell on the disease, and actually using this forum to redirect my energies into (hopefully) helping others in the battle.  Sometimes the more you push back, the more hopeless it feels.  Example: stand two people facing each other with palms extended to touch each other.  As soon as one person pushes, the other instinctively pushes back with equal force.  In order to gain control over this situation the person who does not react, and lets the other push without resistance is actually the one in control.  So while this is by no means giving up, it is a way to take control of a bad situation. Stop trying to push-back and as they say, go with the flow.  Deep inside, I am pretty certain this beast will take me, long before my time, but for now, fighting, stressing, and going down any road of depression is going to ruin whatever time I do have left with my wife, daughter, and friends.  Again, please understand I am not trying to minimize what you are going through, but what's happening in our heads is every bit as important as what's happening inside our bodies.  Hang tough, try and stay distracted by what's good in your life and trust God and good doctors will take care of the rest.  Hugs to you and your family.

Gary

So very sorry, Joshie!  Was really hoping otherwise!!!  Kick, scream, yell…whatever it takes.  Glad you were able to yell a bit here.  I know you will keep fighting.  I know you have the strength the persevere despite whatever melanoma dishes out!!  I also know you would love and deserve a break!!!  So wishing I could make that happen.  Hang on.  Your trial is coming soon and we are all counting on some amazing T cells for you.  Wish I had a magic wand.  But, I don't.  Holding you and yours in my heart.  Love, c

So very sorry, Joshie!  Was really hoping otherwise!!!  Kick, scream, yell…whatever it takes.  Glad you were able to yell a bit here.  I know you will keep fighting.  I know you have the strength the persevere despite whatever melanoma dishes out!!  I also know you would love and deserve a break!!!  So wishing I could make that happen.  Hang on.  Your trial is coming soon and we are all counting on some amazing T cells for you.  Wish I had a magic wand.  But, I don't.  Holding you and yours in my heart.  Love, c

So very sorry, Joshie!  Was really hoping otherwise!!!  Kick, scream, yell…whatever it takes.  Glad you were able to yell a bit here.  I know you will keep fighting.  I know you have the strength the persevere despite whatever melanoma dishes out!!  I also know you would love and deserve a break!!!  So wishing I could make that happen.  Hang on.  Your trial is coming soon and we are all counting on some amazing T cells for you.  Wish I had a magic wand.  But, I don't.  Holding you and yours in my heart.  Love, c

Sorry Josh.  The stress can be crushing at times.  I'll keep you in my prayers.  You are due for something to go your way and I really feel like it's going to be the MDA trial for you.  Hang in there.

Sorry Josh.  The stress can be crushing at times.  I'll keep you in my prayers.  You are due for something to go your way and I really feel like it's going to be the MDA trial for you.  Hang in there.

Sorry Josh.  The stress can be crushing at times.  I'll keep you in my prayers.  You are due for something to go your way and I really feel like it's going to be the MDA trial for you.  Hang in there.

Hey Josh- (or Joshie as celeste likes to call you…i love that!)

There is no minimizing how devastating this kind of news can be….I dont even post lots of  things because I know so many here are having to deal with so much worse…..but as EVERYONE here has said, we have come so far, and have so many more options than many before us had.

We, and especially you right now have to have hope that one (or several) of them will be YOUR magic bullet.

I am anxious, and at the same time hopeful that this trial and your upcoming visits to MDA will be it for you for awhile, and will allow you to soon post  "YOUR  OWN SUCCESS STORY".

So, for now, sending all my best wishes and lots of hope and good luck!

Jenny

Hey Josh- (or Joshie as celeste likes to call you…i love that!)

There is no minimizing how devastating this kind of news can be….I dont even post lots of  things because I know so many here are having to deal with so much worse…..but as EVERYONE here has said, we have come so far, and have so many more options than many before us had.

We, and especially you right now have to have hope that one (or several) of them will be YOUR magic bullet.

I am anxious, and at the same time hopeful that this trial and your upcoming visits to MDA will be it for you for awhile, and will allow you to soon post  "YOUR  OWN SUCCESS STORY".

So, for now, sending all my best wishes and lots of hope and good luck!

Jenny

Hey Josh- (or Joshie as celeste likes to call you…i love that!)

There is no minimizing how devastating this kind of news can be….I dont even post lots of  things because I know so many here are having to deal with so much worse…..but as EVERYONE here has said, we have come so far, and have so many more options than many before us had.

We, and especially you right now have to have hope that one (or several) of them will be YOUR magic bullet.

I am anxious, and at the same time hopeful that this trial and your upcoming visits to MDA will be it for you for awhile, and will allow you to soon post  "YOUR  OWN SUCCESS STORY".

So, for now, sending all my best wishes and lots of hope and good luck!

Jenny

Lauren

Lauren

Lauren

Hi Josh!

You've been so supportive to me and my mom and I just wanted to give you some words of encouragement! – Hang in there and be strong! I've learned that your mindset plays a big factor when dealing with this 'crap'. Although we have our days too (we all do, we're humans) and we've had a lot of set backs; we keep fighting! we just HAVE to!

Please know that YOU matter, and your story matters and never be afraid to settle for anything less than the best care. If something doesnt sit well with you (something docs say/scan results), don't be afraid to take a proactive approach and look for answers for yourself. I've learned that doctors can do so much but you have to be your own advocate when dealing with this healthcare system!

I know you're a strong person and you'll get through this but just remember that THIS too shall pass! There was a sermon by Joel Osteen that me and my mom watched while she was in the hospital and his message was so on point. He talked about how its easy to have hope at the beginning of a journey (new job, new baby, marriage ect.) and at the end of a journey (final exam, graduation, any challenging event coming to an end)…but whats the most difficult its the middle part because there's so much unknown and we are just not able to look passed our obstacle (children growing up to be crazy teens, difficulty in a marriage, doctors just gave you bad news). It is important to be strong in the middle and know that God is still there with you and has not left you! Be prayerful and keep fighting and know that you're strong enough to get through this!!!

All the best – We are praying for you Josh!

-Maria

Hi Josh!

You've been so supportive to me and my mom and I just wanted to give you some words of encouragement! – Hang in there and be strong! I've learned that your mindset plays a big factor when dealing with this 'crap'. Although we have our days too (we all do, we're humans) and we've had a lot of set backs; we keep fighting! we just HAVE to!

Please know that YOU matter, and your story matters and never be afraid to settle for anything less than the best care. If something doesnt sit well with you (something docs say/scan results), don't be afraid to take a proactive approach and look for answers for yourself. I've learned that doctors can do so much but you have to be your own advocate when dealing with this healthcare system!

I know you're a strong person and you'll get through this but just remember that THIS too shall pass! There was a sermon by Joel Osteen that me and my mom watched while she was in the hospital and his message was so on point. He talked about how its easy to have hope at the beginning of a journey (new job, new baby, marriage ect.) and at the end of a journey (final exam, graduation, any challenging event coming to an end)…but whats the most difficult its the middle part because there's so much unknown and we are just not able to look passed our obstacle (children growing up to be crazy teens, difficulty in a marriage, doctors just gave you bad news). It is important to be strong in the middle and know that God is still there with you and has not left you! Be prayerful and keep fighting and know that you're strong enough to get through this!!!

All the best – We are praying for you Josh!

-Maria

Hi Josh!

You've been so supportive to me and my mom and I just wanted to give you some words of encouragement! – Hang in there and be strong! I've learned that your mindset plays a big factor when dealing with this 'crap'. Although we have our days too (we all do, we're humans) and we've had a lot of set backs; we keep fighting! we just HAVE to!

Please know that YOU matter, and your story matters and never be afraid to settle for anything less than the best care. If something doesnt sit well with you (something docs say/scan results), don't be afraid to take a proactive approach and look for answers for yourself. I've learned that doctors can do so much but you have to be your own advocate when dealing with this healthcare system!

I know you're a strong person and you'll get through this but just remember that THIS too shall pass! There was a sermon by Joel Osteen that me and my mom watched while she was in the hospital and his message was so on point. He talked about how its easy to have hope at the beginning of a journey (new job, new baby, marriage ect.) and at the end of a journey (final exam, graduation, any challenging event coming to an end)…but whats the most difficult its the middle part because there's so much unknown and we are just not able to look passed our obstacle (children growing up to be crazy teens, difficulty in a marriage, doctors just gave you bad news). It is important to be strong in the middle and know that God is still there with you and has not left you! Be prayerful and keep fighting and know that you're strong enough to get through this!!!

All the best – We are praying for you Josh!

-Maria

Hang in there josh. Feel free to vent here anytime. We all empathize with you and are frustrated along with you and trying to give you strength

anne-Louise 

Hang in there josh. Feel free to vent here anytime. We all empathize with you and are frustrated along with you and trying to give you strength

anne-Louise 

Hang in there josh. Feel free to vent here anytime. We all empathize with you and are frustrated along with you and trying to give you strength

anne-Louise