Post by Kat on Dec 3, 2010 2:20:33 GMT -5
After a semi long hiatus I am back. I know it's been a really long time since I've written and given any updates on my current shocking health situation. As some of you know, I was diagnosed with a rare form of malignant melanoma cancer this past July. It's so rare that only 10% - 15% of people who get this malignant melanoma (skin cancer) have what I do. Mine started from inside my body (between the bowel & the abdomen). After a month & a half of trying too figure out exactly how too proceed treating my disease they finally found somewhere I can get treatment. It was pretty much determined that I'm an enigma of medical science, a real head scratcher. If any of you have HMOs you know what I'm talking about. In order too get any medical whatsoever they have too approve so they will pay for it, where you can get these treatments, which oncologists they will pay for, etc. Luckily for me, I'm on a medical plan that covers everything. Well, after getting 1st, 2nd & 3rd opinions my insurance company told me that I can get all of my treatments at UCI Medical Center in Orange, CA. They are the best in the country w/regard to melanoma cancer research. The surgeon there, Dr. John Jackowitz determined that the tumour I have is inoperable and referred me to one of his colleagues, Dr. John Fruehauf. He's an excellent oncologist. He started me on a cocktail of Chemotherapy and a drug called Pazopanib. Pazopanib is normally used for other types of cancer, but his team is doing a study too see if the combination of chemo & this drug works. I started this cocktail in late September. I get the chemo every Friday morning, which usually leaves me woozy the entire day and into Saturday. The 50 mgs of Benedryl they pump into your really keeps me from getting nauseated & no pain but a good part of this could be that I'm pretty much comotose for 24 hrs. With the support of family, you all at both synagogues, churches, and the sending massive amounts of positive energy it has made a really positive difference. A special thanks too my best friend who has just been so amazing and strong for me. He has been driving me round trip too chemo every Friday for the past 6 weeks. After 2 months of this cocktail the cancer has diminished by 20%. Yes, I am very excited about this (knock on wood). I've been trying too keep a very positive attitude and not letting anything get me down too much. My hair is starting too thin out, but no plans to shave it all off any time soon. However, I do have a wig on hand just in case. Luckily for me I am really into hats too. I also haven't had any of the other side effects like nausea (again, knock on wood). Although I am far from out of the woods, it's looking more positive (knock on wood!). In any case, please keep praying and sending me that abundance of positive energy out into the universe. By the way, b/c I am JEWISH please do not put me on any of the prayer lists suggested too call. Thank you. Much love and hugs to you all. Happy Holidays!!!
Kat
Kat