New Battle
 

Not related to this group, but you have all been so kind as I've asked for support for my dear sis during her HER2 journey.....I was told yesterday that I have a cancerous melanoma in my right eye. I had breast cancer twenty nine years ago, endometrial cancer four years, and now a third one. Not much known yet. I'm waiting over this Thanksgiving holiday for arrangements to be made for The Wills Eye Institute in Philadelphia, to see me. My dear sis and her hubby will go with me and my husband. First prayer is that there are no mets...most obvious places are liver and lungs. If none, then I'm hoping they can use the radioactive plaque to irradiate the bugger. Back to scans and exrays every six months, if I'm lucky and there isn't distant involvement right now. I'd really appreciate your prayers, ladies. Thanks.

Barb A

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Barb, you'll have my prayers and good wishes for your trip.

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Oh Barb I'm so sorry, sending good wishes for you! x

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Barb,
Praying for you, hoping this problem is just local and has not metastized. Pls. Keep us posted and do not loose hope, there are always treatments out there.

Love,

Paty

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Thank you for your well wishes, Paty, Tricia and MA. You all know the awful initial fear.....that's where I am now. Hope to get to Philly soon and not drag out the wait.

Barb A.

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Barb,

First of all, Happy Thanksgiving!

It's not fun to have multiple cancers. But it happens - especially to those of us who have had certain types of genes (or gene defects! :)

Hang in there. The plan you've mentioned sounds pretty good. Take good care of yourself and come here for support anytime!

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Dear Barb,
I am sorry to hear your news. Of course I will keep you in prayer. It is upsetting to have to wait until after the holiday weekend. Please keep us posted.

Kindest Regards,
jean

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Dear Barb,

I'm hoping things go very, very well for you.

(((Hugs)))),

Paula

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Hi Barb
Just wanted to share some information with you. A couple of weeks ago a television program featured a young women with a melanoma also in her eye. Apparently it is quite rare however once they had removed it and given her treatment her prognosis was reported to be very good due to the pathological type
In the meantime I am praying for you and hoping you have this type also
Ellie

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Thanks so much for the continued wishes....it is amazing how much comfort comes in the form of warm support from friends. Ellie, I hope my path type is the same as the one you saw on tv. Praying hard for no mets, at the outset. If this tumor isn't too large, they will implant a plaque shield that will deliver radiation over a period of days. Will stay in accommodations arranged by the hospital and then have the plaque removed. The tumor is to continue shrinking over a period of three months. There may be additional treatment if needed. If tumor is too large, the eye will be removed. Not a happy thought, but I'm aiming for life, so what has to happen will happen to give me my best chance. Thank you so much for your love and support. I'm scheduled for a consult at 7:30 at Wills Eye. Hopefully surgery on Thursday. I'll be quaranteened in a motel room for the time the implant is in, so I'll take my computer and hope to be updating.

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Barb,
Very sorry to hear this news. Please stay strong and keep us posted. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
karen z

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Barb,
Thinking positive thoughts for you! And, of course, sending prayers too.

Looking forward to reading your post surgery updates!
All the best,
Denise

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Thank you Lani - very informative.

Barb - wishing you a very successful treatment and Class 1a melanoma.

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Not much to add except ever since I was a child in the Phila suburbs I have heard only wonderful work being done by Wills. Great that you have access.
Keep the faith.
PS. what were your symptoms? I have a nasty thing on my eye right now.....

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Hoping and praying all will go well. Gods blessings to you and your family. I look forward to your future posts. (I pray all are positive.) Your friend, Nancy

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Thank you, thank you, thank you, everyone. Bonnie, I had floaters and flashing lights in my eye. Thought it was a detached retina. Saw an opthamologist in the practice that had done my cataract surgery in January and he referred me to a retinal specialist on the same day. That doctor called a world class Wills doctor and they made some very rapid arrangements. We will leave tomorrow so as to find the facility before our 7:30 a.m. appointment on Monday. I am taking some ativan, so I alternate between relative calm and falling apart. Again, thanks for your well wishes...they mean the world to me.

Barb A Prayers gratefully accepted!

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Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers Barb, stay strong! (((((hugs)))))

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Barb,
Praying for you, as they say "good things come in small sizes" now let's pray that the tumor is small and you will have those three months for it to shrink.
The last few years there has been a huge leap in eye surgery and treatment. You are in a top notch facility, so with prayers and great treatment we send you healing wishes.

Kindest Regards,
Jean
PS the waiting is the hardest.

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Barb, it is always amazing how the things we share here impact each other. I asked about your symptoms because I have a infection/growth, probably a nasty sty, on my eye. But your reply has given me pause. I have recently developed major floaters in both eyes. One doc called them "impressive'. They have been seen by MDs and deemed to be just bad floaters, but I never would have thought of other ramifications. I am sorry you are having this experience but grateful that we can learn from each other and be vigilant. We are here to hold each other up and share experience, strength and hope.
Keep the faith.