dickjackson48

Went to MDA last week for scans and they found new metastesis on my lungs, liver, and spine.  I also had lots of fluid on my left lung so they pulled off a liter and sent it for analysis.  Got the word today that the fluid containde Melanoma cells.  Dr. Holmsi told us last week that he would put me in the IPI/Temador trial if the results came back positive for cancer so I guess I will be starting this soon. 

I am glad to find this site so we can get some information and updates on the trial.  I am a school teacher so I will just have to deal with the side effects because I sure can't affor to retire yet.

Having a Denver catheter put in tomorrow.  The fluid in my lung is building up and we need to keep it drained off.  I was upgraded to Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma.  Tuesday we are having a stress test to see if the heart is strong enough to get in the trial.  My cardiologist signed off but evidently that is not good enough.

Keep the faith friends,

Dick

Thanks for the replies.  We are going back to MDA tomorrow and having blood work and EKG, the last two things we need for the trial.  Hopefully Dr. Holmsi will have some answers for us when we get there and I hope to start the trial as soon as possible.  I am encouraged to read that the side effects are doable since I am in a classroom everyday.  My kids (students) are all so supportive, I get 15-20 texts a day letting me know they are there for me if I need them.

Tomorrow is my 62 birthday and I will spend it getting information at MDA.  I am excited about that.  Just before my 60th birthday I was griping about turning 60 and making it known to anyone who would sit still and listen.  5 days before my 60th I had a major heart attack.  After that I was thrilled to turn 60, so having this at 62 isn't so bad.

Karen and I pray for all of you daily….even though we don't know all your names, God does.

Dick

Thanks for the replies.  We are going back to MDA tomorrow and having blood work and EKG, the last two things we need for the trial.  Hopefully Dr. Holmsi will have some answers for us when we get there and I hope to start the trial as soon as possible.  I am encouraged to read that the side effects are doable since I am in a classroom everyday.  My kids (students) are all so supportive, I get 15-20 texts a day letting me know they are there for me if I need them.

Tomorrow is my 62 birthday and I will spend it getting information at MDA.  I am excited about that.  Just before my 60th birthday I was griping about turning 60 and making it known to anyone who would sit still and listen.  5 days before my 60th I had a major heart attack.  After that I was thrilled to turn 60, so having this at 62 isn't so bad.

Karen and I pray for all of you daily….even though we don't know all your names, God does.

Dick