It has been a busy, crazy week but I just got the news I am starting the clinical trial on Tuesday and also the fantastic news that I am getting the study drug, not the chemo. The response rates for melanoma with chemo are just plain terrible but I was willing to take a chance so I can be here longer for my family. I guess for trials the third time was the charm.
I have been praying and praying that if it isn’t going to work, then for God to just bring His hand down into this entire situation and give someone else a chance. Really the last couple of days as I waited, I was at peace with it either way. Also, I have just felt everyone’s prayers surrounding me and lifting me up this week and I am very grateful. I have been blessed in so many ways and it just keeps coming.
Although I’m not feeling in such tip-top shape, I am ready to get going with this Phase 2 trial Tuesday. I will make an excellent lab rat. This drug has good response rates, better than the drugs I’ve been on the last year, with fewer side effects. I will go in every 3 weeks for labs, dr appt, and a 30 minute infusion as long as it’s working, first scans after the fourth dose. I’m hoping this tired damaged body can do whatever it’s supposed to do with this drug and finally get Roscoe under control. I am not giving up yet but we call continue to pray for the strength to accept whatever God has in store for me.
I’m over 2 years at stage 4 melanoma, which would’ve been a death sentence just a few years ago, like it was for Dad unfortunately and so many others. Praying this treatment works and keeps working. Honestly I’m weary. Maybe this is why: (last 3 years)
Lymph Node Dissection (37 nodes), radiation, inpatient biochemotherapy – 4 rounds – (IL2, Dacarbazine, Cisplatin, Vinblastine), pelvic resection, radiation, Zelboraf 6 mos, Yervoy, Sterotactic Radio Surgery for two brain tumors, Zelboraf (5 mos), now Anti-PD1.
Thank you to so many people who came out this week to Pizza Perfect to benefit the MRF in Bob’s name. I really wanted to be there but I heard both locations were packed. That is so awesome.
Peace to you all and have a wonderful weekend.
Amy
NashVegasMom 
ellemh@comcast.net said:
Om my goodness, God is good!!!
Congrats on becoming a lab rat (once again)! I am so happy you are in the drug group…what great news!
I HATE that you have been battling this for so long. I know your dad (and mine) are looking down on you from Heaven and must feel truly blessed that you are carrying on this fight when they could not.
I pray that this drug is going to kick Rosco to the curb and that you will soon be feeling better and better. I pray for you several times daily, my dear sweet friend and I know God has you in the palm of his hand.
Stay strong. with much love and encouragement. Lori
V.M.R. said:
Amy, thank you for sharing your story with us. Your strength is impressive. I was diagnosed with Melanoma (scalp, stage II) 2.5 years ago. I will keep you in my prayers.
Peggy and Garry Kennedy said:
Oh, Amy, we are thrilled to hear you have been accepted for the clinical trial – that is wonderful news. You have been in our daily prayers since day one and we wil pray extra hard that this trial will be the most successful for you by far!!
Love, Peggy and Garry
Karen Johnston said:
Praise God, Amy!!! Love you 🙂
Tina Reed said:
Rejoicing over this good news 😀 . And, yes… you have every reason and right to be a tad weary! Praying this treatment will be effective… and without the terrible side effects you have had to endure with the other treatments. Hoping you have a restful weekend with your precious family.
Tina ( MPIP)
Betsy said:
Wonderful news on the trial, Amy! Praying that this is the magic one and that it works wonders. Love to all,
The Herrmanns
Marla said:
Oh, Amy, Alleluia! How great He is! I believe!
Peace,
Marla
Susan Plantz said:
YAY! So happy to read you were approved for the trial drug Amy!!! Will continue to pray that God gives you the strength to keep going!!!
We cherish having you around!
Love and prayers,
Susan
Jess Bridges said:
Praying for you to St Philomena. May the Holy Spirit give you strength in this season of Pentacost.
Sue said:
Praising God for He is great all the time. Good luck Tuesday, but I’ve got a feeling that pd-1 will be an answered prayer.