Man I am a slacker in updating lately, guess that just means I'be been busy doing other things, good and bad. Here's what's been going on...
Scan results and such...I had my appointment with my general oncologist to go over the scans and decide what we are doing next. As far as scan results go - relatively stable. There are some lung mets/lesions that are larger but most are the same or smaller. Liver, spleen and bones are all stable, if not improving. Front of my neck is obviously larger. My brain tumors are both smaller and there aren't any new tumors which is great.
Now treatment options...
It may seem that if things are stable, for the most part, then why not continue on what I'm on? Well because it isn't working on everything, it isn't safe to stay on the same treatment. We talked about the options in front of me and we decided to NOT do surgery right now and to restart Keytruda (Pembrolizumab) to see if that will take care of everything. Radiation isn't ideal, surgery just takes care of the problem temporarily, and I sadly do not qualify for many trials due to my past issues with my liver from treatments. We also talked about adding TVEC (a version of the herpes simplex virus) injections into my tumor on my neck. They knew my insurance would deny the injections, so we are applying for drug assistance. Keytruda is a good enough attack, but adding TVEC would just be that much better. I stopped the BRaf inhibitors and started Keytruda yesterday. Feel pretty good, just tired but that could be from having a fun weekend.
 |
| Treatment #15, Day one |
Now to tell you about the fun parts of the past week. Last Thursday I knocked off one of the items on my bucket list - to speak to younger kids about my journey and sun safety in general. My friend teaches 7th graders and let me talk to the kids. I'm not going to lie, my goal was to scare them a bit so they stay away from tanning beds as well as lather up on sunscreen this summer. It went well - even when the power was out for almost the whole day. Not so fun when a lot of your presentation is based on pictures and videos and such! I did well talking for the entire class and we made them check their skin for moles and to just get familiar with their spots so they will know if they change. I also had them give me some more ideas for my bucket list. Man I got some good suggestions! Lets just say skydiving is the most suggested; not so sure on completing that!
 |
| Eat Eggs and Waffles. My type of bucket list item |
This past weekend was my favorite time of year - Pride Weekend. Gay pride has been something I have gone to for 11 years now and love every minute of it. I am proud to be a gay ally and it makes me happy to see the support grow each year. This year we did the festival on Saturday and then the parade and a BBQ on Sunday. The parade is always fun, but man it was so hot this year! I started not feeling so great so I took a break inside a bar to cool down and get some more water in me. Heat just takes it out of me. After the parade we BBQ'd and relaxed for the day. Happy I was able to make it there one more year!
 |
| I decided to make a sign this year. Sadly it is the truth. No takers lol |
This weekend I am headed to Portland! It is a last minute trip but it is shaping up to be a fun time. Tyler and Spencer were already going, Megg was going for work at the same time. I had a flight voucher. It all just lined up too well! Brooke made it work to go as well so I am excited for a fun adventure in the Pacific North West. I have never been so it will be fun to go somewhere new. Pictures to follow!
 |
| Added to the stack today... Eff You See Kay. |
 |
| Went on a little stroll in the mountains after brunch with a friend |
 |
| Went to a Paint Mixer and painted my pups (well my parents and sisters pups) |
 |
| My friends new company, Villmark. She chose me to model one of her neck warmers - check them out! |
