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
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!
Battle mode activated – I’ve been embolized.
The decision seemed quite easy on what do once metastatic disease appeared in my liver. Luckily there are currently many options but deciding the best is looking at the number … Continue Reading Battle mode activated – I’ve been embolized.
Mrs Captain Ron 