I’ve moved the blog for several reasons, the biggest being the following: I think I can share more info on melanoma here and maybe help just one more person. I’ve accepted that my privacy, which I so tenderly protected, is irretrievably gone but more importantly it isn’t about me anymore. If you want to get the updates automatically, scroll to the FOLLOW button and enter your email address.
All the old stuff is here too, look for the links if you want to read the entire grisly story to date. Today is a GOOD DAY! I am putting up my sore, cloven feet and resting.
Thursday May 10th I started back on the wondrous new melanoma treatment, Zelboraf, this time at 3 pills, 2 times a day, after being off treatment for 2 weeks due to a severe allergic reaction. Two hours later, I start itching and feeling feverish. It was easier this time. It wasn’t mind-bending misery, hook-up-the Demerol and take my jammies to Vanderbilt time.
I was warned there would most likely be joint pain too. It set in on Mother’s Day and my legs were aching and swelling. By Monday morning I was crippled. The see-saw of cancer is so frustrating! Wasn’t I just up on a ladder, doing three hours of yard work? Also though, wasn’t I JUST HERE with stitches in my rear end, undone by pain, unable to stand up by myself?
I usually have a one day pity-party rule, but not Monday. I have a special devotion to Mary. I cannot know her pain, or her suffering, but I know how it hurts when I can’t take care of my own children or protect them from the world’s pain. It’s worse than suffering myself. I wonder, did she cry for us all as she wept for Jesus? I prayed for her to help me through the day and she didn’t let me down.
My oncology nurse had me on a prednisone pack by afternoon and I was up and around, albeit hobbling, by dinner. He lent these children to me, and that’s all I ask, is that He allows me to raise them awhile longer.
I’m stuck with the steroids, a low dose hopefully, as long as I’m on the treatment. They make me cranky. Ask the appliance repair tech who is taking three weeks so far to fix our microwave. Ask my adolescent. I’m also stuck with painful feet and my heels are turning into hooves. And again one of my best friends accuses me of doing this for the free meals. NOPE! NOT WORTH IT!!
My dermatologist told me yesterday that everyone who stays on this drug gets basal cell carcinomas that need to be surgically removed. None yet though – WIN! I had an EKG this morning. I guess it wasn’t awful because although they didn’t tell me anything, they gave me a pretty picture and let me walk out of there. BONUS POINTS! I’m headed off to the ophthalmologist tomorrow since I’m having trouble with my vision. I should’ve owned up to that one earlier. As I said, I’m stubborn.
We continue to take it day by day. Hopefully I can just keep us all moving forward through the last two weeks of school. We are so thankful for a little help from our friends.
Karen Johnston said:
Hats off to you, Amy!!!! So blessed to have crossed paths with you 🙂 Love your post, your outreach, your inspiration, your perserverence, your hope, your love. Keep doing what you are doing. xoxo
Dave Freeman said:
Amy,
Hang in there, you’ve been doing so well even though you’ve had a few set backs, as my father taught me their can’t always be sunny days, nor rainy days either; things are always about change.
You’re family is constantly on our prayer list,
The Freemans,
Dave, Amy “Go Vols, Kaitlyn, Hannaha and Abigail
Peggy and Garry Kennedy said:
Amy. you are foremost in our prayers and daily thoughts. I wish I was there to give you a big hug, knowing that it would be truly from my heart. May God give you the strength to endure this second round of this new drug and that our Mother Mary will gently grant you your special prayers for healing with less side affects.
Love,
Peggy and Garry
Amy said:
Amy, you are most definitely a Momzilla – a real fighter! The end of school is always the nuttiest time, right? Your new blog is great. You guys are in my thoughts and prayers all the time. Keep hanging in there. : )
Karen de Jong said:
You R an amazing person who’s courage & humor inspires everyone! I would love to make you & your Family some meals or anything you need. Pls let me know how I could help u! Many Blessings, Karen
Sue said:
Amy, you are in my daily prayers. Hope this post finds you adjusting to your new dosage and getting around ok.