Well back from Florida after enjoying the good weather, and, of course, where I suffered from scananxiety, nothing is easy. In November, after completing round 1 with ipi, my CT scan had shown a growth in my left groin…WHATT?? Anyways, doctors believed the beast had metasticized there but thanks to suggestions (thanks fellow ipi warriors) I'm thinking might that lymph node was reacting, I have tried to stay calm.
Well back from Florida after enjoying the good weather, and, of course, where I suffered from scananxiety, nothing is easy. In November, after completing round 1 with ipi, my CT scan had shown a growth in my left groin…WHATT?? Anyways, doctors believed the beast had metasticized there but thanks to suggestions (thanks fellow ipi warriors) I'm thinking might that lymph node was reacting, I have tried to stay calm. So after completing the first round of 4 infusions, my cutaneous lesions were drying up and disappearing GREAT since I had over 100 now very few but during the past few months, I saw numerous sub-qs coming up, rather like boils on my right left. Here's CT scan report and PET concurred.
The lung bases appear unremarkable.
The liver, gallbladder, bile ducts, adrenals, kidneys, pancreas, and spleen are unremarkable.
No abnormality is noted in the bowel. No ascites. Unchanged post-operative scar in the right inguinal region. A right external iliacnode previously measuring 9 mm short axis, today measures 9 mm short axis. There has been interval increase in size of a left inguinal node which previously measured 2.6 x 3.0 cm. Today this measures 4.3 x 6.1 cm. No other enlarged abdominal or pelvic nodes are appreciated.
No destructive lesion in the bones of the abdomen.
IMPRESSION:
Significant interval increase in size of a left inguinal lymph node, as described above. Otherwise no change.
So happy no observation in my organs, good reason to celebrate. The Pet scan showed a lot of activity in right leg, they now think it might possibly be good activity (but, of course they are not sure) and perhaps the left groin is reacting as well (but it also might be bad news)…short of a biopsy they can't tell. They won't remove any lymph nodes in left since my my melanoma is systemic and needs to be solved via drugs rather than surgery so they are leaving it. Well anyways all this news, enabled me to re-apply for 2nd round. I am still hoping that left groin problem is a swollen lymph node or, at the very least, the ipi will attack it.
Thanks to all the support of fellow ipi warriors especially, Jerry, Jim M, Jim B and Jim in Denver, and Donna. Sharyn, I'm hoping you'll be joining me soon, I gave Michele a big smile for you when I had my first infusion.
Here's how I feel:
Round 1 : Val 1 Mel 0 (down for a few counts)
AND for Round 2 what I want : Val 2 Mel 0 (down forever)
Val -Stage IV
off to bed again..rather tired this time around
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