Uncharted Waters
I have kept a personal journal regarding my Dx, journey, struggles, thoughts, feelings and always contemplated sharing. I believe now may be that time. I am forever grateful to those … Continue Reading Uncharted Waters
Be Raw. (and recovery update)
Earlier this year (pre TIL treatment) I was at the grocery store with my kids and we were checking out. The bagger said, “I am sorry and shouldn’t ask but … Continue Reading Be Raw. (and recovery update)
UPMC 5 MAIN Shout out
After 16 days I said good bye to the most selfless team of humans I have ever met. The nurses, techs, house cleaning, food service, etc. Truly you made 16 … Continue Reading UPMC 5 MAIN Shout out
The Battle
Updates to date – I did it, made it – functional again. Re: my last post. Not sure what drugs or state of mind I was in to be writing … Continue Reading The Battle
The calm before the storm
I am 7 days into ‘unknown’. 7 days of chemo completed and was better than expected – which has been a pleasant surprise. Extreme exhaustion and nausea have been my … Continue Reading The calm before the storm
It’s just hair
Said NO ONE EVER that was going through a cancer treatment (at least I assume) The typical comments I’ve got when I told someone I’d lose my hair and the … Continue Reading It’s just hair
T minus ‘Go Time’
The last week has been nothing short of an emotional rollercoaster. After the travel to and from Pittsburgh for Leukapheresis I caught a cold / sinus crud and let’s just … Continue Reading T minus ‘Go Time’
Current state: Leukapheresis
Recap: my largest liver lesion was removed in Sept, 2022. Scans in Oct were stable and went into holding pattern. I learned my Tcells grew very potent which was best … Continue Reading Current state: Leukapheresis
Kids….talk, teach, advocate
How to talk to kids about your cancer. Being a mom of 3, I really have NO clue but what I DO know is….you take your scares, unknown ‘shit show’ … Continue Reading Kids….talk, teach, advocate
I kept waiting for the BUT
Finally feeling human. One of these surgeries (I’ve had so many the past 5 years – to be honest I lost track of the exact number) I’ll actually listen to … Continue Reading I kept waiting for the BUT
Leaving UPMC w/ a 5 Star Review
Last night Paul and I arrived back home. Felt good to be around my folks and the kids. Luckily the flight was uneventful. I have been beyond fortunate to have … Continue Reading Leaving UPMC w/ a 5 Star Review
FUF (s) !
9/23/22 was FUF day! The Fer is out along with some smaller lesions around that area that were not previously seen on my last MRI. It’s really amazing they are … Continue Reading FUF (s) !
PROGRESS is POWER … Current vibe = HOPE
On September 15th, 2022 Paul and I co-chaired the 11th annual Melanoma Research Foundations annual gala in Denver. This was our 3rd time co-chairing this amazing event and raising the … Continue Reading PROGRESS is POWER … Current vibe = HOPE
Where did May, June, July and August go ?
Lots of updates – I’ve been busy…crying, laughing, throwing stuff at the wall, living my best life and feeling so low and high – seriously all in the same hour … Continue Reading Where did May, June, July and August go ?
So much HOPE, So much SORROW
I quickly learned the seriousness and how aggressive and ruthless my disease, ocular melanoma, was after diagnosis. Knowing this for 4.5 years I celebrated each clean scan so much. I … Continue Reading So much HOPE, So much SORROW
Still alive – celebration time!
5 years ago, I woke up and my gut told me something was wrong. I drove myself to the ER and Paul soon joined me. I was diagnosed with a … Continue Reading Still alive – celebration time!
Luck, prayers, thanks!
As hard as I try, I still can’t properly manage the rollcoaster emotions most days as it is so hard to process gratitude yet sadness and fear in one thought. … Continue Reading Luck, prayers, thanks!
Mrs Captain Ron 