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The trip of a lifetime
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The trip of a lifetime

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › The trip of a lifetime

  • Post
    • December 20, 2019 at 8:40 pm
    AMcReader
    Participant
      Tomorrow will be the last day of the European Christmas excursion I planned with my husband, 20 year old step-son and 22 month old daughter. It has been every bit as wonderful (and, with a toddler, chaotic) as I had hoped when we started planning it just months after my stage 4 diagnosis in March of 2018. We never said these words out loud, but this trip was a way for us to stake a claim in the ground that said we believe we will get to this point together. All four of us. Although I have been lucky to do so well in treatment, my excitement for this trip had been so guarded until it was only weeks away.

      Over the past year, I had to stop Ipi/Nivo on 1/31 after the third dose (which was unknowingly my last dose of immunotherapy), managed through 5 days at the hospital while my liver panel went crazy, trudged through 28 days of radiation and joyously watched as the tumors faded away. I know I’m still in the woods but this trip has been such a great reminder that you should keep living, even while you feel your way through the dark world of melanoma.

      Wishing all of you HEALTH, happiness, and wonderful memories this holiday season and next decade!

    Viewing 7 reply threads
    • Replies
        • December 20, 2019 at 8:59 pm
        gopher38
        Participant
          Amanda, every time I see your photo with the baby, it makes me smile. Thanks for this post and the good reminders. We should always have something to look forward to (maybe I should start planning my next European trip?). Wishing you the best. Warren
          • December 21, 2019 at 3:31 am
          lkb
          Participant
            Hooray, Amanda! Glad you did it. I went to Ireland for 10 days with my husband and felt the same way–a big reminder to keep living through uncertainty.
            Health and happiness to you and your family,
            Lisa
            • December 21, 2019 at 3:51 am
            Coragirl
            Participant
              Yay Amanda! I look forward to reading your posts, I am so happy that you have had a wonderful trip with your family. Your attitude is amazing. Wishing you many more happy holiday excursions.
              • December 21, 2019 at 4:26 pm
              MelMel
              Participant
                It’s always extra special to hear wonderful news especially on the health front and I am so glad you had an amazing trip! In the past, I loved travelling and exploring, making fond memories. Your post is a reminder that 2020 should be a year for everyone to do something special which they enjoy!
                Happy Holidays and may you spend them making fresh memories surrounded by health, peace, love and happiness.
                Melanie
                • December 21, 2019 at 9:47 pm
                seholmes
                Participant
                  I am so happy for you and your family. It does sound amazing. And thank you for sharing. You are an inspiration to do the same
                  • December 21, 2019 at 9:47 pm
                  seholmes
                  Participant
                    I am so happy for you and your family. It does sound amazing. And thank you for sharing. You are an inspiration to do the same
                    • December 22, 2019 at 12:07 am
                    Bubbles
                    Participant
                      So glad you got to enjoy such a special trip with your dear ones, Amanda!!! yours, celeste
                      • December 30, 2019 at 4:19 am
                      Bria12lane
                      Participant
                        So happy for you!!!! I always look when I see a post from
                        You on here as we were both diagnosed at OSU at about the same time and during/right after pregnancy. So glad to see you are doing well!!
                    Viewing 7 reply threads
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