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Remission!

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Remission!

  • Post
    • July 12, 2017 at 5:20 pm
    DZnDef
    Participant

      Yes, my oncologist mentioned that word yesterday.  Then he backed off as I still have a couple of tiny spots in my left lung but he described them as likely remnants/scarring.  The brain is completely clear of visibly detectable mets as of yesterday's ct w and w/o contrast.  No new spots anywhere.  I celebrated yesterday with a chocolate milkshake.  However, I am really having difficulty absorbing this news.  The doctor's office is not where I am used to hearing good things.  I handle bad news quite well (lots of practice) but I just don't trust good news.  My labs aren't back yet so maybe there's something there.

      I am also in a somewhat awkward position as we have no idea whether I am a responder to Keytruda or not.  This could all be Tafinlar/Mekenist.  In any event, I have been given a second reprieve from this disease (the first being my good scans three months ago).  I will have to learn to accept it.  Time to focus on rehab for my lingering brain damage (I walk just like a toddler.  I have newfound respect for toddlers.  Learning to balance is hard!)

      So after five years at Stage IV, the beast is on the run!  Life is good, and longer than I was expecting!  Sweet!

      I hope you all hear good news at your next appointment!

      Cheers!

      Maggie

    Viewing 9 reply threads
    • Replies
        • July 12, 2017 at 5:35 pm
        sister of patient
        Participant

          Wow Maggie – this made me cry but these are tears of joy for sure!! So pleased for you and may this last forever!!! Best wishes always!

          Barb

            • July 12, 2017 at 6:35 pm
            DZnDef
            Participant

              Thank you, Barb.  I am glad your sister is doing so well, too.  I'm hoping she gets the all clear next time for the liver and spleen.  What an amazing time we live in.

              Cheers,

              Maggie

            • July 12, 2017 at 6:13 pm
            betsyl
            Participant

              Excellent! Congratulations!

              Enjoy,

              Betsy

                • July 12, 2017 at 6:36 pm
                DZnDef
                Participant

                  Thanks, Betsy!  That's my sister's name too.  Great name!

                  Cheers,

                  Maggie

                  • July 12, 2017 at 6:41 pm
                  DZnDef
                  Participant

                    Sorry, Betsy for not mentioning this before.  Congratulations to you and your husband on your recent good news.  May he continue to "suck at having cancer".

                  • July 12, 2017 at 6:44 pm
                  Julie in SoCal
                  Participant

                    Full on standing on the table happy dancing here!

                    I can't tell you how happy this makes me!

                    Blessings,

                    Julie

                      • July 12, 2017 at 7:02 pm
                      DZnDef
                      Participant

                        Thanks, Julie!  I love happy dancing!  Good luck to you this week (tomorrow?).  I hope the chemo is kind to you and gets the job done!  Thanks for your great attitude.  Even when you have bad news to share, it's uplifting to read your posts as your sheer joy of living life comes through.  I hope you are given nothing but good news by RS doc from here on out.

                        Cheers!

                        Maggie

                      • July 12, 2017 at 7:50 pm
                      Sharon93065
                      Participant

                        wow, you give the rest of us hope.  I've had my second treatment of Opdivo/Yervoi, only side effects are rash, fatique, and low TSH counts.  But the tumor in my back that they did the biopsy on, I cannot feel it anymore!

                        Thank you Lord!  So I just know that means the other tumors inside must be shrinking! I did not have brain lesions. Lung and lymph nodes.

                         

                          • July 14, 2017 at 12:00 am
                          DZnDef
                          Participant

                            I'm glad my experience could offer you some hope.  It looks like you are getting some good benefit from your treatment plan.  Keep your doctor informed about your side effects as you don't want those getting out of hand.  I am on 10mg of prednisone daily to eliminate fevers and chills.  My oncologist claims that a dosage this low will not interfere with my immunotherapy but it is enough to keep the fevers and chills away.  I can't argue with the recent results!  I'm all-in with whatever my oncologist recommends.  Congratulations on your promising results!

                            Cheers!

                            Maggie

                          • July 12, 2017 at 7:52 pm
                          SABKLYN
                          Participant

                            Awesome news!! !

                            • July 12, 2017 at 9:22 pm
                            Casitas1
                            Participant

                              Right on! Way to go….

                              • July 12, 2017 at 9:35 pm
                              jenny22
                              Participant

                                Maggie- Such fabulous news…I am soo happy for you…..lets hope what ever is working, just keeps on working….ENJOY the great news!!!!!!

                                So much to celebrate!!!!

                                Best,

                                Jenny

                                  • July 12, 2017 at 11:39 pm
                                  JaiLee
                                  Participant

                                    WOW! Fantastic news!! This is exciting, and so happy whatever worked, worked!
                                    Definitely go out and celebrate 🙂 !!

                                  • July 12, 2017 at 11:57 pm
                                  Ridingaroundwith27Jennifers
                                  Participant

                                    Congratulations!  Keep that beast at bay and enjoy things.  I saw your reply to my MRI post.  I known just how you feel.  It's starting to be real.  Good luck with relearning balance.  I'm a bit wobbly as well.  Are you doing PT?  Just wondering as I was thinking I should do it but then I have to get my husband to drive me.

                                    • July 13, 2017 at 4:26 pm
                                    Linny
                                    Participant

                                      Maggie,

                                      Just go on celebrating! We all understand that bit of paranoia but your oncologist would not have mentioned remission if he or she didn't feel confident about it. 

                                      Five years Stage IV, unknown primary, and no evidence of disease? You are doing great!!!! Congrats!!!

                                       

                                      • July 14, 2017 at 12:24 am
                                      BrianP
                                      Participant

                                        Great news Maggie!  Thanks for sharing. 

                                        Brian

                                          • July 19, 2017 at 10:09 pm
                                          DZnDef
                                          Participant

                                            Thanks, Brian.  Good to see you're still active on this site.

                                            Cheers!

                                            Maggie

                                      Viewing 9 reply threads
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