Checking in, after a loooong absence.
 

I think of many of you often. I've been absent for a long time, while I try to get my feet back under me following my choroidal melanoma. As you know, I had plaque radiation therapy at Wills Eye in Philadelphia. I tested genetically as high risk, so I did six months of oral chemo, called Sutent. A pill a day for six months. Sounded easier to me than the iv therapy I received 31 years ago for my breast cancer. I tolerated fairly well, but by the end, it whooped me "pretty good"! It will be a year at the end of December since I have completed that therapy. I also had a laser pan retinal photocoagulation and continue to get Avastin shots directly into the OM eye. The good news is that so far, no evidence of mets and I've graduated to six month mri of liver and yearly ct of lungs. Labs every six months too. My vision was expected to go at 18 months post plaque, but it was 20/50 yesterday!

I first wrote to the group when my only sibling, my sis, was diagnosed with HER2 positive bc. It has been five years for her and thankfully, she is doing well. Just wanted to tell you all again that I'll always be grateful for the warm and welcoming reception I received, both for her and for me (despite my latest cancer not being breast).

I think of you often and keep you in my prayers.

Barb A.

Re: Checking in, after a loooong absence.
 

Good to hear your "voice" again. And glad that you seem to be doing well, despite the melanoma treatment. It sounds pretty tough to me.

Please keep us updated on yourself and your sis when you feel up to it.


Jacqueline

Re: Checking in, after a loooong absence.
 

Hey Friend!

Glad to see you popped on to let everyone know how well you are doing! Just got home from Asheville (think I told you I was heading there for a bit of R&R). They must have had a hundred Christmas trees throughout the Biltmore--lovely! Say "hi" to Brook. We'll talk soon.

L.

Re: Checking in, after a loooong absence.
 

Hi Barb A,

Thanks for the update. Glad both you and your sister are doing well. It's always good to hear from an old friend. Take care and say 'Hi' to your sister for us.

Re: Checking in, after a loooong absence.
 

Wow, that is amazing news. I remember in the beginning of treatment it sounded pretty iffy - but this is great. Thanks for updating us.

Re: Checking in, after a loooong absence.
 

Thanks for the update and I'm so thrilled you and your sister are doing well still.:)