PET scan results & new plan

Madeleine’s Blog

January 15, 2013

So do not fear, for I am with you

Do not be dismayed, for I am your God

I will strengthen you and help you

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

Isaiah 41:10

Something to be thankful for... Madeleine & Austin - December 2012

Last week, we met with Madeleine's local oncologist in order to hear the results of her January 4th PET scan.

That night, with a lot of emotion, Madeleine wrote the words that I then copied into this blog and titled, "What a year it has been." Her words (describing the things she has learned through this difficult year) reflected a perspective that few of us -- without the touch of cancer or other tragedy -- are able to attain. Life IS precious, and even in regular, day-to-day life we have so much to be grateful for.

Now, back to the results of the scan.... The good news is that the cancer in her liver appears to be about the same size, and there are no new spots in the liver or other organs. This is always a reason to celebrate. The other good news is that her recent radiation treatment appears to be helping shrink the lymph node on her neck - it was both smaller, and softer (which is a good sign). The scan did show some growth in an adjacent lymph node, as well as a new lymph node in a nearby area -- and, of course, we don't like to see this.

The oncologist did explain, however, that he wouldn't actually expect to see results from the Yervoy infusions quite yet as Yervoy can take quite a while to work, and Madeleine has only had two infusions so far (one every 3 weeks). Fortunately, she has had very few side effects with the Yervoy, and so that has enabled her to work, run, and do lots of regular activities that she is happy to be back to.

Our local oncologist has been consulting with Dr. Daud, the melanoma specialist from UCSF. There is a  promising clinical trial that has shown very good results, and Dr. Daud believes it will be a good match for Madeleine's situation.

Because there have been so many recent advances in melanoma research, and it takes so long for good drugs to be approved, sometimes the most effective melanoma treatments can be found by becoming a part of a clinical trial.

So, Madeleine will be meeting with Dr. Daud down at UCSF on Tuesday morning, January 29th, and if all goes as planned, her participation in the clinical trial would begin in early February.

The doctors are also considering doing additional radiation on the lymph nodes that are showing growth. It is always a balance between wanting to shrink the tumors on the one hand, but also wanting to avoid the potential downsides of radiation on the other hand.

Thank you for your prayers for Madeleine (and the doctors) as all these decisions and treatment options are being considered. We appreciate all the encouragement we have received.

What a year it has been

Madeleine’s Blog

January 10, 2013

So do not fear, for I am with you

Do not be dismayed, for I am your God

I will strengthen you and help you

I will uphold you with my righteous right hand

Isaiah 41:10

From Madeleine's Facebook post this afternoon:

January 2012 - Lymph node surgery

A year ago, my parents sat me down and tried their best to keep the tears from rolling down their faces when they had to tell me the news I had melanoma. I was told that on January 20th I would be undergoing serious surgery to remove the lymph nodes in the left side of my neck. The pictures below, to this day, still make me cry. I had no idea that that experience and the days to follow would change my life so significantly. 

Recovering from surgery in January '12

Following my surgery, I received chemo treatments and radiation. Within two days before graduating high school I heard even worse news, the cancer had spread to my liver. I was told I would be going to Riverside for week long bio-chemo treatments. The five months of treatments tested me emotionally and physically. It tested my trust in God and it tested my family's strength and dedication. After hearing in November of 2012 that the cancer had continued to grow slightly in my liver and still appeared in my neck, I began even more chemo treatments here in Santa Rosa. 

After receiving my most recent results of my PET scan Friday, I do not know what my further treatment will be, however I know, and will continue to fight. Being diagnosed with cancer has changed my life in so many ways and has taught me so many things. I never thought I could go through as much as I have and looking back it still shocks me!

Life is SO precious - don't take a single day for granted. Be thankful for what you have. Tell people how much they mean to you. And no matter what, always keep a smile on your face. There are some people I owe a BIG thank you to and could not have gotten through what I have without them.... And thank you to ANY ONE who has taken a minute to encourage me and remind me to keep fighting for my life. 

Thank you & fight on. ♥