Today was Ryan’s oncology appointment, and for the most part it was a good appointment.. or so I thought. The chemo is responding well In His body, virtually no side effects from the Taf/Mek combo after almost 3 weeks, (they said if he’s seen no side effects most likely he won’t see bad ones in the future) but he is developing a SLIGHT rash on his hands, armpits, and In His groin area. No itching, no swelling, and it’s not bumpy. They are flat. They come and go. We asked how long he would be on the chemo, and the oncologist said “forever”... which in my head made sense. But Ryan’s not so much.. I think the gravity of the situation finally hit him. In full.. the car ride home was full of tears.. and the doctor kinda gave situations.. saying “patients I’ve seen have made it 6-7-8 years” yadda yadda..... ryan told me in the car that he thought this chemo would do it’s job and then he’d be happy and healthy again.. which was the most heart breaking part.. him realizing that he may not grow old and see his 50’s.. that he would maybe make it to his 30s.. maybe. I told him we need to live as though he will live forever, and we can make a bucket list of all the things he wants to do in life.. maybe he will be the one to reach NED.. who knows.. but the reality hit, and it hit hard. But we are grateful today.. he went from in a wheelchair in less than 2 months to walking without his cane. The disease had spread to his whole body.. but he can walk again, and the nodule on his shoulder is completely gone. So it’s doing something!!!!! His diet is all organic and we are doing everything we possibly can to keep his insides as healthy as possible.. just a rough day... thought I’d share. Love you all xoxo
Happy yet sad...: Today was Ryan’s... - Melanoma Caregivers
Happy yet sad...
Kelly,
What a blessing the Taf/Mek is working, and for the impressive improvement in daily life functioning.
I also hear the anguish at coming to another level of understanding as to what it is you are both up against and honor your sense of loss and making plans with a new construct together. What you have shared is sacred. Thank you.
Missy
Hi kelly
I am so happy that the treatment is going well and that he is feeling so much better. It is heartbreaking to watch as the reality of the disease hits. I love the bucket list idea and found that doing those things with family and friends whether it’s game night or a trip help everyone. Ryan is lucky to have you in his life and this journey. Please take care of yourself too. I’m praying for Ned for you both.
Good update! We got an MRI of his brain (where the tumor originally was when we found out he had melanoma again) no Mets there! Brain is clean! ILL TAKE IT ❤️
That's a good place to be. Blessings.
