New 'Do

I finally decided to chop all the straggly long hairs I have been holding on to since losing practically all my hair during biochemo. My hair has started growing pretty fast so the new hairs started to take over and make the longer hairs seem like a Trump combover. Not a fan. So I cut it all the same length and to my surprise I actually really like how it looks! I know there will be a lot of awkward lengths ahead, but I'm interested to see how they all look, and what ones I will like! Here's to #shorthairdontcare!!

Treatment #5

I completed my 5th injection/3rd infusion Wednesday. It was a long day yet again, but that is to be expected. My large tumor has gone down another 1cm and the smaller tumor has gone down .5cm! Excellent news! Because the large one went down, we were able to inject both tumors with the drug. The small tumor is farther away from my scar so it has a lot more sensation, and let me just say it wasn't a pleasant feeling. Felt like a hot iron being held to my skin.. But it is over quick enough.
This day I was bombarded with positive comments from my doctor and all my nurses. They all commented on how well I've been handling everything and how strong I am being. I was told my positive energy is a breath of fresh air and welcomed in the clinic. It was really nice of them all to share with me, really gave me a second wind for the day.
I have been really tired the last few weeks - whether it is from doing more everyday or the treatment, but I think it is a combination of the two. I have felt so much better each day that it is hard to just sit around. Working up my stamina - gotta return to work someday!
The infusion went well too, saw a lot of young people in the infusion room. I posted a photo on Instagram and someone who was getting treatment found it and commented. She is 32, has stage 4 Melanoma and is going through the same treatment as I am. I saw her check in to the infusion room too! So I'm hoping to meet up with her, to have a buddy in this process. Pretty amazing what social media can do! I also got a message from an old high school buddy that works up at Huntsman and has been trying to catch me while doing treatment but without any luck. He said to keep up the good fight and that I'm inspiring people I don't even know are watching. I needed all these nice messages today - was starting to get a little burned out. But not anymore!

After treatment I was really sore and a bit nauseous. Boo! Was hoping to escape side effects fully, but it isn't too bad so it is manageable. Just lots of rest ahead and some mellow foods to eat.

Have three weeks off until my next treatment/infusion and then will be scanned to see if we continue with the injections (for up to 13 more). Here's hoping!!

In the infusion room @ Huntsman Cancer Institute

After the injections

Tumor from the front

Slightly smaller!

Messy new hair!

Baby Hairs

It has been over a week since my last treatment (injection/infusion) and I am feeling so good! I haven't had any side effects besides some fatigue but I don't really count that. I am hopeful that I will continue to not have any and things just keep going as good as they have been. It is really a great feeling to have energy to do things and not be sick. I feel like I am starting to have a handle on my life again, which is a great feeling after 8+ months of dealing with my cancer returning.

My hair has really started to grow - I didn't realize how much until I took a picture of it and compared it to one I took on 7/22. (2 1/2 weeks ago) Here are the pics..

7/22/15

8/7/15

It's amazing how much I lost but I am still thankful to have some of it left. My doctor said that I lost more than most people who go through biochemo. It's not a ton, but they are baby hairs and they are there!

Here is a picture of the tumor(s) and the size they are today. .

All in all things are going good and I couldn't be happier. I have two more weeks off before the next treatment and have some fun things planned.

xoxox

Gearing up for round 3

I have turned the corner and am headed into my final round of biochemo on Monday. It has actually gone by quickly for me and I see the light at the end of the tunnel. 

This past round has been pretty hard and I struggled with dehydration, weakness and nausea. I had to receive IV fluids 4 times after leaving the hospital which was stressful. We are hoping to combat the dehydration better this next round without seeing the inside of the hospital as much. 

After this round they are going to present me to the tumor board again and discuss whether or not radiation is beneficial or more harmful for my current stage. If they decide radiation is -not- beneficial then I will be finished with treatment for now. If we do radiation then I will have 21 treatments, and be done in about 6 weeks. 

I am excited to be almost done with the hardest part of this battle, the chemo, and to start getting back to my normal life. This summer will not be wasted, it will be filled with friends, family and fun. Fighting cancer gives you a different outlook on things. I know that eventually I will have to grow up and get a real job, but 2015 is going to be lived simply and adventurously. There is always time to grow up, just later.

One day at a time, until the finish line.

Short Hair Don't Care

It came the time in this cancer bs that I decided to cut my hair. Not an easy decision but I was surrounded by love and my main gubby was cutting so I knew it would all turn out ok. There isn’t much you have control over when dealing with cancer but this is one of them. Here’s to #shorthairdontcare and kicking this #Melafuckinoma s ass. (at Salon NV)

Todays the Day

Today is the day that I am cutting my hair. For the past two weeks my hair has been coming out and it is now super thin and just doesn’t feel like my hair anymore so it’s time. I am going to have Tyler cut it into a pixie and see how I like that. I can’t commit to a shaved head just yet.. if it continues to fall out at the rate it is then I will end up with that regardless. When they said that my hair wouldn’t fall out but thin, I never imagined it thinning this much. I’m sad I wasn’t able to donate my hair but it is what it is. I’ll post pictures of the new do soon. For now here is some pics of the hair that has fallen out… 

Melanoma Monday

Today kicks off Melanoma awareness month with Melanoma Monday. Check your body, make an appointment, wear sunscreen, cover up and be smart. #melanomaawareness #melafuckinoma #melanomamonday

On the eve of round two

It is only fitting that on the eve of round two my hair has begun to thin. It technically started yesterday when I pulled a strand and it came out with minimal effort. I then ran my hands through it and about 30 strands came out. Now I know, hair falls out normally (and mine does a lot regularly in the shower/brushing etc) but this was on top of that. I showered and about the same came out but brushing a good amount came out as well. Throughout the day I just kept finding rogue strands. It’s a sad day. I am still holding out hope it will just thin and not fully fall out so I am not cutting it just yet. If it continues to be compounding then I will be looking for a new short do. 

It’s crazy to think I will be in the hospital this time tomorrow, where has the time gone. I guess I’m as ready as I’ll ever be. I’m making some hospital shirts today so that I don’t have to wear the hospital gown. They will have cut sleeves so I can put them on even though I have to be connected to the IV pole 24/7. I think it will be more comfortable and cute. Wish me luck! 

On to the next day, one day at a time.