Hello Everybody! As much as I hate to bring the blog back I feel like I need to update everybody about what has been going on. Sorry that I haven't been updating but it is so easy to forget about things when everything is going well. My 3 month post surgery scans in June were clear! Billy and I had an AMAZING summer and we got to travel all over the place! We made a road trip to NY for Pete's graduation with a stop in Salisbury, Maryland (where I was born) and Ocean City, Maryland. We also went to Chicago, Atlanta, Denver, and made more trips to Folly Beach than I can count!
I had my next round of scans on Thursday, September 8th and they found two small spots on my liver. I had a PET scan last Friday (which is a full body scan) and they said there are actually three small spots on my liver and a spot on my right gluteus maximus, which they believe to be melanoma.
I have been meeting and talking regularly with my oncologist in Charleston trying to figure out a treatment plan. My oncologist has been in contact with a doctor in Philly (Dr. Sato) who is thought to be the leading doctor for treating ocular melanoma. He has reviewed all of my scans and they are exploring several different treatment options as we speak. Right now we are just waiting for an update on where to go and what to do. I have told the doctors that they just need to tell me where to go and I will be there. Right now my options include a new drug called Yervoy, a radioembolization treatment (http://www.sirtex.com/, and an immunoembolization called TIL (tumor infiltrating lymphocytes). I am very anxious to get things started but I'm not getting overly worried about it. I KNOW that the third time is a charm and after we knock this out everything is going to be gone for good!
I honestly couldn't ask for a better support system during all of this! As I write this Billy is reading over my shoulder and my Mom is in town to help out with everything! I have been flooded with emails and phone calls sending prayers and positive thoughts my way. I appreciate it all so much and please keep them coming! All I ask is that you please say a prayer to rid me of this melanoma once and for all!
Love, Kenan
