Just a quick update on a few things.  First, I sailed through my biopsy which confirmed (to no surprise) my enlarged lymph nodes are indeed melanoma.  The technicians were excellent and the experience was painless and without any need for sedation, so a total win in my book. Thanks to everyone who was praying me through that.

I met with my Intermountain Health Care Surgical Oncologist, Dr. Bowles, who is extremely personable and knowledgeable.  She answered all my questions and gave me a ton of information about TVEC.  After further examination, she decided her preference was to start injecting the TVEC into a lymph node in my neck instead of under my arm. Even though it is smaller in size, the node in my neck is closer to the surface and easier to locate on ultrasound. The anticipated result is the same-the melanoma cells in that lymph node will "get scrambled/confused" and die.  Then, my immune system will identify the released particles as "bad guys" and go after any similar "bad guys" (the other melanoma in the rest of my lymph nodes).  If I experience side-effects, they likely will be minimal and will feel like mild flu symptoms. 

I had my first injection on March 4.  I will return for TVEC injection # 2 on March 25 and then receive injections every 2 weeks after that until that lymph node is normal in size...I'm told it can be up to a year, as long as I am responding to the treatment.  My next Pembrolizumab infusion is March 30 and will continue every 6 weeks, again, as long as I am responding well.  I am due for scans mid-May to re-evaluate how things are going.

The thought of more frequent trips for treatment hasn't been particularly exciting to me; however, I'm really trying to apply what I learned from my experience in December and January.  I'm asking for God's help accepting my circumstances and looking for ways He wants to use me in my situation.  I am already starting to get to know the staff in the Surgical Oncology office, so I can see opportunities God may open up for me to share my hope.  

God doesn't promise to deliver me from difficulty, but He does promise to walk with me, strengthen me and give me rest in the middle of the challenge and He has proven faithful in that promise.  I was encouraged by a quote and verse I read recently in a Bible study I'm working through, so I will leave you with those, praying they will be encouraging to you also.    

"If you look at the world, you'll be distressed.  If you look within, you'll be depressed.  If you look at God, you'll be at rest. 

~Corrie Ten Boom

Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose trust is the Lord. For he will be like a tree planted by the water that extends its roots by a stream, and does not fear when the heat comes; but its leaves will be green, and it will not be anxious in a year of drought, nor cease to yield fruit.

~Jeremiah 17:7-8 (New American Standard Bible)

Praise God for:

• My incredible medical team, especially Dr. B, my newest doctor and her PA Jennifer.
• No Pembrolizumab side-effects so far.
• Easy biopsy.

Pray for:

• Continued wisdom and insight for my oncologist and other specialists as they evaluate my condition and recommend treatment.
• God's continued peace and my contentment.
• Juggling the schedule of increased drives to Salt Lake-I will be there every 2 weeks after March 25, and sometimes more often when I have additional appointments.
• All my interactions with hospital staff and others as I spend more time in treatment.
• If it's God's will, that He would eradicate every cancer cell with my immunotherapy treatment.
• That God would be glorified in everything that is going on.
• Thank you for the prayers for my sister's husband; he passed away last week.  Please pray for peace for my sister and family.
• Please pray for my Dad and my family as we will be remembering my Mom's first heavenly birthday on March 20.  Since she passed away at the beginning of the pandemic, we were unable to hold an in-person memorial  service.  We opted for a virtual service remembering her life.  For any interested, you can view the service on her memorial website here.