Warrior

[kellyOd]

So.. Ryan is now in hospice.. 2-3 weeks I have left with the love of my life.. to put this all in words is impossible. They excluded him from a clinical trail because it was phase 1 and he was growing quick. We came to the decision to stop treatment. He went into hospice on may 6th.. and that is where he will stay. The heartbreak is unbearable I have no idea how anyone goes through this and go back to living life so fast. I’m so terrified..

[doulagirl]

Dear Kelly, I am staring at your message without knowing what to do, to say or to write. You and Ryan have been in my prayers ever since I started this journey 3+ years ago and both of you have been my heroes, examples of resilience, research and love overcoming challenges. I feel crushed and I cannot even imagine how you must be feeling. I am not where you are, not yet, and I don't know the proper things to say, but in my heart I wish you the most loving weeks possible with your Love. You are in my prayers, always 🙏❤️

[kellyOd in reply to doulagirl]

There are no words love..,🖤 if I figure them out I’ll let you know.... thank you for all your support throughout the years

[SGHSweethearts]

Dear Kelly & Ryan, My eyes are so full of tears I cannot see what I am writing. My heart is breaking for you both. I know you did not enter into this decision lightly. Ryan’s fought a long hard fight. While my head understands his Body is tired. My heart wants there to be another step to try. All my love and prayers for you both, and for a smooth transition at this time. Stay strong my friend, and crying is still strength and courage❤️I don’t know the right time to tell you this. Marks cancer is back and we are in the process now of trying to see what treatments will be available to him.

Michele

[kellyOd in reply to SGHSweethearts]

Jesus......, don’t stop fighting. Don’t stop advocating. There’s things in the pipeline just keep doing research and make the best decisions you guys are capable of. Talk frequently with the doctors. Send them ideas. Palliative care is an amazing thing to get him into.

[doulagirl in reply to SGHSweethearts]

Michelle, I am so sorry about the recurrence. Just wanted to give you some hope here. You may remember Frans recurred February of 2021 and although it has been a tough ride this second time, he is doing pretty well again, no active melanoma for the moment and feeling great. I have to update here to give some hope to all. Stay strong <3

[SGHSweethearts]

oh Kelly so kind of you to be concerned about Mark when you have so much going on. Sending so many prayers for you and Ryan, Kelly, and your son this must be so hard on him as well. Kelly I pray Ryan is not in any pain. How are they managing that? Is he staying home while on hospice with a nurse or is most of this falling on you. I can’t imagine how you are dealing with all this. No one can always be this strong. I so wish I were closer to help you.

Dorothe thank you for the encouraging words.

To say we were shocked is putting it mildly. Mark has been NED for almost 4 yrs. They had just switched him to every 6 mo scans, I will never allow that again. In 6 months his liver is full. Mark is extremely depressed this time. Perhaps because he was so deathly I’ll the last time he just did what ever they threw at him. He has never been able to have surgery because last time it was all over his body, except his Brain. We went through hell with his insurance getting prior auth. Finally approved and he will start Tuesday with BRAF meds 1st. His Dr moved on last year to more research so we got a new Dr from City of Hope. We like her just trying to get used to her style. So wonderful that Fran is feeling well again. I am praying the meds work on Mark again.

To all of us here this has been a Godsend for me to read your stories, and encouragement for one another. The world of melanoma is one I wish we weren’t all living in.

Michele

[missyrand Ambassador]

KellyI’m heavy in my heart for you as you and Ryan are walking these last steps together.

There is never enough time.

Y’all have tried everything

Melanoma is a beast you’ve faced together. You both will have diverging paths where your lives can bear witness to the other for a little while longer, but then have separate tasks. It’s hard, precious, and honoring.

There is a time to say goodbye. I’m sorry it’s so much sooner that you both hoped for. You are both courageous to be accepting hospice care. It’s not giving up. It is completing life with dignity.

You honor this community to know this very intimate time in your life. Thank you.

Missy

[HSsweetheart]

Kelly, you've been a rock for Ryan, I know this group is here for you and your son. Thank you for sharing this intimate story with us over the years. I don't know how I'll cope when it's my turn to be a widow, but I'm encouraged by your brave walk through the fire as I have been with Missy's journey.

[Crycleo]

I’m so sorry, Kelly. Sending love to you and Ryan. ❤️

[HehHeh]

So very sorry, Kelly. Hold each other close. Reminisce about all the great times together. I am thinking of you as I pray. I wish you powerful Love and lasting Peace.

[HSsweetheart]

How are you doing Kelly?

[kellyOd]

I’m not faring well.. this spiraled me down.

[HSsweetheart in reply to kellyOd]

Thinking of you.

[missyrand Ambassador]

Kelly,How can we help?

Missy

[MeAndMom]

Kelly, How are you doing? If we can be of help or you want to speak, please let me know. Thinking of you and Ryan during this heartbreaking time. Update us when you can. Lots of love and courage. Big Hug, Nadia