Had my follow-up with the oncologist today. My PET scan and CT scan were spotless. The sentinel node biopsy was clean. The melanoma has been removed.
No cancer….and no chemo.
The chemo treatment for melanoma is a trial anyway (meaning that they don’t know conclusively if it does any good), and has some fairly nasty side effects…..so given my clean tests, there appears to be no need to risk it. I just need to stay on top of this, with regular follow up visits and exams, several times per year.
I’m cool with that.
I made it upstairs today, so I could clear out the 300+ email messages. Legs hurt like a muthafucka (the side they took the skin graft from hurts worse than the leg that is missing a chunk, actually), and I’ve got a happy little perscription for happy little hydromorphone pills. Wheeee!!! Still have to sleep on my back, which is teh SUXXORZ, since I can’t really sleep that way.
All in all, though — being alive and healthy is a good thing.
Thanks for all of the good boogie and positive thoughts.
Still going to be on work hiatus for a couple of weeks, while I get my strength back and re-examine priorities. For those who care, though, here’s a gaming-related interview with me that just went up.
Excellent news! Congrats.
Nifty interview!
I’m glad you made it upstairs.
Kiss!
Get well soon. All the best from Jon Hodgson Illustration. Years ago you offered me a break, and I haven’t forgotten it.
So very glad to hear that the outcome has been so positive.
Hope the good drugs will keep the pain at bay and that you will soon sleeping normally.
D.
Great news man. Here’s to a fast recovery.
This is the best outcome to bad news. Good for you both!
No cancer….and no chemo.
Wooo Hoo!!! Just for that, here’s what I think is one of your fave icons…yes?
Awesome on all fronts, man. Congratulations.
Congrats, mang!
CU
ventis, vidistis, vicisti, muthafucka,
On the health-front, YAY!!!
You’ve been on my mind a bunch this week. I’m glad that it all turned out okay. :)
*exhale*
I didn’t realize I’ve been holding my breath waiting for the news.
:)
very good news indeed.
Nice one. :)
Good news.
Hey, great news — best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Rock on…that’s wonderful. Hopefully all that good mojo will roll into a swift recovery for your legs. ; )
So glad to hear you’re okay. :)
Excellent news.
That is really great. Good to hear!
All in all, though — being alive and healthy is a good thing.
I can relate. Been there, done that. Great news!
Rock solid, man. Good to hear.
Great News!
So glad to hear that you are healing and cancer free.
Hugs!
Great to hear this, Gareth. Godspeed on your recovery.
Yup. OW. Naughty thoughts cause painful twinges — (one of the incisions I had was in the groin, to check the lymph nodes)
Worth it, though. Yum…OW.
Excellent news, Gareth! Glad to hear it.
joe b.
That is so fantastic; congratulations on whuppin’ that cancer’s ass!