No sign of new cancer

It was a long day of scans, but I got a good report from my oncologist at the end of it all: no sign of new cancer. A small cancerous lymph node in my right armpit remains, but it’s not yet known whether it’s on the way out or still growing. I’ll have to wait for the full radiologist’s report for that piece of news.

So we can’t officially declare me a responder to ipi just yet, although the signs are pretty positive. The full effects of ipi will peak in three to six months. Dr. Curti said that about one in three of his patients with brain mets progress rapidly to multiple recurrences; an obviously bad outcome. So far, I figure I’ve scored about a 9 on a scale of 1 to 10 on the melanometer.

The fact that my brain is clear is great news, since that’s the organ that’s at greatest risk for failure. The MRI scans show complicated tissue changes, which is predictable given how my brain is working hard to heal itself. The fatigue that plagues me will gradually dissipate as the combined effects of brain surgery, radiation and ipi subside. I can now begin the process of imagining life beyond treatment.

Ellen and I value all the prayers and expressions of concern that we’ve received in recent weeks. It’s made a big difference. Your support and encouragement is hugely appreciated.