Friday, April 8, 2011

April 8

All is well. Just had my seventh and final dose. I was doing okay until seven and then it hit me like a pile of bricks. Extreme nausea and vomiting, horrible rash on my face, and more hallucinations just to name a few symptoms.  So the docs decided that was enough for me and seemed happy I got as much as I did so now only one more round to get through and this will all be behind us. I have no doubt the next scans will show the tumors are well on their way to being gone.
Today I am thankful for the flexibility and efficiency of the NCI; for all those who have volunteered for IL-2 trials in the past; for Dr. Rosenberg who pioneered the IL-2 treatment; continued support from our amazing family and friends; and, of course, my most wonderful husband, Jeff, who has been at my side all day, and my perfect baby Kai. After this we will only have to be apart for one more week and in turn we get a lifetime together.

10 comments:

  1. Hope you're on the road to feeling better, and know you are on the road to being melanoma-free!

    We too are ever so grateful for the NCI and Dr. Rosenberg's ground breaking work. Here's wishing both our families time together for DECADES to come...with NO MELANOMA!!!

    Peace and health. :)

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  2. GREAT .... Made it through without an ICU visit! Hope your recovery is extra speedy. Now let the "feast" begin! White cells start "eating".....
    Sending love,
    Joy

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  3. Jamie, when you look back on this "adventure" I'm certain you will know how you have grown in so many ways. You have a virtual army of friends and supporters who pray, laugh, cry, and think of you every day. We know you will heal quickly from this round, and will welcome the last and final round that will eradicate the rest of what has been a most unwelcome intruder on your life. You are so amazing, and have taught us all what real courage is all about. Continue to be strong, Jamie. Fight this thing, but know that we are all, each and every one of us, there with you - sending our love your way.
    LBR

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  4. 7 doses, that's great! Hang in there sister friend- you'll be home soon. Love you!
    -Donna

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  5. Wow, you hit the wall at #7. You are a strong young lady with so much to live for. That is one of the reasons you are beating the disease and setting the bar for future fighters. You are such a brave young lady. Continue the positive attitude which is getting you closer to Kai at home again. Tell Jeff he's among the best. Take good care and God bless.

    NKH

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  6. As a coach would say, way to keep going after the whistle blows. I am so proud of you, not only because you fighting this thing so hard, but because you are pushing harder than ever, even after receiving incredibly good news. You have removed complacency from your personal dictionary. You are doing what I could never do. Love you so much.

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  7. Way to go! Your support community continues to be there--good news or bad news. We are thrilled that the tumors are shrinking, but that does not mean for a minute that we are not continuing the thoughts, prayers, positive vibes--whatever. We know you are not just a B student (as in the 85% that you are currently surpassing). We know you are in that top 5% that beats melanoma with the IL-2 treatment. We are all rooting for you--draw on our strength!

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  8. Hi Jamie, My name is Ginger Inness, I founded Charitable non profit, named in my brother Larry's legacy; called Larry's steps. Lar was denied treatments such as IL2, due to poor insurance. He never wanted this to happen to another warrior of melanoma cancer. In Larry's legacy, we now offer financial help for all fighting melanoma across the U.S. We do this by donations and fundraisers. Larry's light now shines for all of you. I want you to know how proud I feel of you..your strength and fighing spirit. On April 30th, here in Newburgh N.y.; a ONE MILLION STEPS TO FIGHT MELANOMA FUNDRAISER WALK will occur over our Newburgh Beacon bridge. Please know you and all the brave who fight melanoma will be remembered..with much prayer and love. Keep the fight! If there is anything we can do for you, just email me at gingerinness2010@hotmail.com. Our website is wwww. larrys steps .org. With continued hope to you, ginger inness president/ founder Larrys steps inc

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  9. Jamie -- I'm so happy to hear that your treatment went relatively well this time compared to prior treatments.

    Your words in your previous post truly resonanted with me -- family and friends are the most important part of life. I also have noticed a simplification in my life since my husband's diagnosis. The things that I used to feel were so important are suddenly not that important. Clothes, cars, jewelry, etc. -- they are all just things. Just one of the important lessons that this journey gives to us.

    Praying for you.

    Jennifer

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