Melanoma as a chronic illness to manage

[missyrand]

I've read two articles today in mainstream news that remind me that living with melanoma is for my family a chronic illness to manage. My husband continues with IV immunological treatment every three weeks (just finished round 31), has blood work every 3 weeks, CT or MRI scans every quarter, skin checks, Aldara cream for me to apply 5/7 nights before sleep, slathers sunscreen each day, has quite the hat collection and an attractive collection of summer clothing with long sleeves and SPF 50 protections. These are all on my radar screen, too, and often impact my work and time off schedules. Right now I'm feeling very grateful that both of us have full-time jobs, and health insurance to allow treatment to continue.