Hi fellow warriors!
This Easter, while being with friends and family, I began thinking of this family. I hope all the classic voices are hanging tough, and a “howdy-do” to the new names here. I pop in every once in a while to read, but I haven’t been posting. But today, I really wanted to reach out to everyone.
Last week was my 2 year anniversary of my diagnosis – stage 3B. Many of you will remember my battle as I progressed to 3C with in-transits and a CLND of my left groin. 8/30 nodes positive, one “grossly positive with extracapsular extension”. I changed my diet, my lifestyle, moved cross country for treatment, and was still progressing. I tried Interferon and still had another in-transit. And then I went on the Ipi/nivo combo, which created severe side effects and I had to stop after only 2 infusions. I haven’t had any other treatment since.
BUT IT WORKED! My last scans few scans have come back squeaky clean and I’ve been bumped to 6 month checkups. I’ve never been so happy to be ignored!
I know everyone on here is battling – for themselves or for a loved one. And I urge you to keep up that battle. Easter is a symbol of spring, of life, of rejuvenation. Of rising up and rising above. Believe in yourself and rise above this awful disease.
Every side effect I had and every lifestyle change I made was worth every moment I have outside of the hospital now. I cannot encourage you all enough to do what is best for YOU. Find a doctor you trust. Forge your own path. This is your journey, no one else has to walk in your shoes. Heck, I quit my job and moved cross country to see a doctor I trust. My parents were furious. But looking back, it saved my life.
This is an amazing family. You guys saw me through some tough times. And I want to thank you from the bottom of melanoma-free heart. And to all of those people still battling – KEEP FIGHTING!!! We’re all here for you. So lots of internet hugs to everyone today!! If you ever want a pen pal, or to vent about melanoma, or just want to check in, you can reach me on my blog — http://www.withinmyskin.com
Lauren
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