Dawn | [Defying Melanoma]

Mar 14, 2012 -

Melanoma

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Article link

Very interesting article on why cancer is so hard to cure.

Discover Magazine

Mar 7, 2012 -

Melanoma

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I have finally FINALLY been scheduled to have surgery!!! Of course, I’m not excited about the actual surgery but it is nice to have a date and I AM looking forward to having this stupid cancer removed from my body.

I’m having some pain here and there – little jabs that are very good at reminding me that I’m still cancer-ridden.

I don’t know much about the surgery itself, nor about the recovery, but whatever it is, we’ll deal with it. Mike has time off from work and my mom and Mike’s mom are ready and waiting to help us and help out with the boys. We are very lucky.

More updates to come!

Mar 7, 2012 -

Melanoma

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New treatment

New treatment sounds like it could be a real life saver!

Story from MSNBC

Feb 23, 2012 -

Melanoma

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Needle Biopsy: Done!

I had my biopsy today to see what exactly is going on with those crazy enlarged lymph nodes.

It was done via needle and ultrasound, which was a new experience for me. My previous biopsies were done via old fashioned cut-open-and-remove techniques.

The doctor and his PA used the ultrasound to determine the best way to get into the nodes to get good samples, which was actually really interesting since I could see the screen while they were doing it. Of course, I had no clue what I was looking at!

I was given a sedative and a pain reliever in my IV and was immediately relaxed and sleepy. They did a local on the area so I never felt a thing. I heard them talking and each click of the “gun” as they took the samples and some fluid. I was done in less than a 1/2 an hour. I had to lay flat for 2 hours and then I could sit up, but had to stay for 2 more hours. I got a bag lunch with a sandwich and fruit and it was the best sandwich ever!

I’m very thankful my mom was able to come and sit with me today and drive me home.

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