Besides…if we get lost, we dock somewhere and ask directions," Captain Ron
In the thick of ‘hell’ of IL-2 in February 2023, I remember telling myself – if I had to do this again I would. I said that thinking it would … Continue Reading I said I’d do it again if it provides HOPE….
The past few months have been simply amazing. I am running the fastest, rowing the hardest and lifting the heaviest I have in years. My mind and body are aligned … Continue Reading Stability until I wasn’t, F
Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) milestones and a personal journey. This is written for a patient and/or caregiver in mind but for all if you want the nitty gritty details. Disclaimer: … Continue Reading Tumor Infiltrating Lymphocytes (TIL) milestones and a personal journey.
It’s been an interesting journey since my TIL infusion in February 2023. I keep waiting to be ‘me again’ but have been told by so many including my therapist, acupuncturist, … Continue Reading Finding me and Happy 4th, my fav holiday!
Median survival after a metastatic OM diagnosis is 9 months – but treatments are being researched in clinical trials (Melanoma Research Foundation) SO…..I learned of my mets in Aug of … Continue Reading Thank you and Tcell 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)
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
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
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
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
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’
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
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
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
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
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) !
Mrs Captain Ron 