I guess my “Season Finale” was a teaser for what is hopefully to come in the next year.  I am not completely off treatment but still appear to be free from cancer.

I did finally get freed from the surgical drain, though it took longer than my impatient self wanted. Admittedly I was ready for it to be gone in the “2-3 weeks” they initially mentioned.  I conveniently dismissed the “sometimes it takes longer” comment-probably in hopes that would not be me.  God knew I needed another lesson in trusting His plan, so that drain was my companion for a day over one month after my surgery.  I AM thankful for medical advances that provide a more pleasant way to avoid post-surgery issues, so as much as I disliked dealing with the drain, I know it was a good thing.  

I had an MRI and CT scan a few weeks ago, followed by an appointment with Dr. M.  The scans looked great.  They confirmed the targeted therapy was effective, with several previously concerning areas either stable or shrinking.  There was a slight increase in a few nodes on the left  groin side, but everyone believes it was surgery response, so they will just watch those in the next scan. The scan also confirmed that the compressed vein in my left groin (which was discovered during my December 2021 hospital stay, prompting a prescription for a blood thinner) was resolved, so I got to discontinue the blood thinner.

The tumor board met and collectively decided it would be wise for me to stay on the targeted therapy for the time being.  The idea is that since I responded so well to that treatment, and melanoma is notorious for “escaping to more hospitable locations” and lying in wait for an opportune time, I will continue to take the therapy to ideally eliminate any cells that may have escaped the treatment so far.  I will have scans every 3 months and they will monitor how things are looking.

So, though I’m not completely off treatment, we are in a very encouraging place.  The only challenge for me right now is the lymphedema that comes as a result of removing all those lymph nodes on my right side.  I saw a Physical Therapist this past week who specializes in lymphedema and she gave us a lot of super useful information and techniques to treat that symptom.  

I’ve been thinking about where I was a year ago today. I was very thankful to be home from the hospital, but also too weak to really take part in all the special Christmas traditions. I’ve been making up for that this year and loving every minute of it!  This Christmas is particularly special for me because I am contemplating all the precious gifts God has given me over the past year.  Despite the ups and downs, He has given me the gifts of life, great medical care, incredibly supportive family and friends, lessons learned and so much more.  But most of all, I’m grateful for His love for me by sending Jesus to live the perfect life I could never live so I can enjoy forever in God’s presence-the best gift of all! My prayer is that you all will enjoy a beautiful Christmas with family and friends.

Recently, my husband and I had the privilege of sharing how God has walked us through our experiences with cancer.  If you are interested in watching, feel free to take a look here.

Thank you so much for your prayers, love and support. 

Praise God (all Glory to HIM!!) for:

• Successful recovery-Drain finally removed and regaining my strength (I was well enough to shovel after our recent snow storms!)
• No evidence of cancer from the scans.
• Quick diagnosis and healing from a post-surgery infection.

Pray for:

• No side-effects from continuing on the targeted therapy
• If it's God's will, that He would halt any cancer from returning or spreading.
• God to use my cancer journey in whatever way He would like-that I might be able to encourage someone else going through trials
• Success treating the lymphedema