Medical Update::
August 30th scans showed no additional growth and that I would just have to be monitored and scanned again in December. The same results were there-STABLE! :) Another two months rolled around and in February of 2011, there was some activity on the liver in which one tumor had started to grow. I was then admitted to Thomas Jefferson University Hospital to start round 1 of immuno-embolization therapy. This procedure was to be done every four weeks through the femoral artery in my leg and each month, they would alternate sides and treat the other sides of the liver. I received this treatment through August 2011. Another round of scans showed that my body was starting to resist the immuno therapy, so we have now switched to chemo-embolization therapy. I have received two rounds in September and just underwent another one on October 18th. The scans this time reveled that everything was STABLE and that I would undergo two more rounds of chemo-embolization therapy, one in November and one in December.
Me Update::
It's truly hard to believe it's been two and a half years since this journey has begun. It still seems like yesterday I was about to take my last free throws of my college career and graduate a short time later! This trial/tribulation/hardship in my life really has shown God's hands over me each step of the way. I have been able to reach people on a national and international level by speaking about my journey and how to raise awareness for Melanoma. The Lord uses me to speak to complete strangers whenever I am traveling for treatment. I have been blessed to pray for and over others who are also battling illness/depression/anxiety from different types of cancer. I am able to coach basketball to amazing young middle school Christian girls.
I say all of this to remind those who are followers of Christ that my faith will not waver, that my strength and courage come from HIM, and that I will not doubt, nor fear what is to come and what HE has been planned for me. I will take each day as a GIFT. I will cherish each moment I have with family and friends. God has given me a light in a way; A unique perspective that other 24 year olds don't have.
Don't take life for granted-don't sweat the small stuff-allow God to work in you and through you-you can do amazing things in such a short amount of time!
Romans 12:12
"Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer."
Hebrews 13:5
"Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you..."
James 1:2
"Consider it pure joy, my brother's, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
We've only known each other for a few months, but I have never known anyone with a clearer sense of what God is doing in her life, and who says it so well!
ReplyDeleteYou are a model of fearlessness and trust in God. You have put yourself completely in His hands, which we all should do. I am thankful to know and support you, and you don't know how much encouragement you provide in return to the other member of the local "OM" chapter! :) Your faith has been a help to mine!
Keep going, Meredith! Praying for your rest, healing, strength, and joy! --Brian
Dear Meridith,
ReplyDeleteMy name is Dianna and I'm from a healthcare-focused organization currently working on a research project that's looking to improve care for metastatic melanoma patients. I've been reading many of the patient blogs the past few days and am deeply touched by how courageous and positive you all are in your fight against this terrible disease. I'm especially glad to hear/read about the fantastic news in your latest update. As a part of our research, we are looking for direct feedback from patients regarding their treatment and overall journey with melanoma. I would really appreciate it if you would be willing to share (over telephone) some of your personal perspectives and experience with melanoma. To give you a little more information about the objectives of our project, we are first and foremost looking to speak directly with actual patients such as yourself in order to understand first-hand what you feel are the unmet needs in the treatment of metastatic melanoma. We hope to be able to utilize your feedback to help develop tangible resources including educational materials, institutional support, and other similar support tools that will improve the overall quality of life and benefit all patients as they fight and cope with melanoma.
Please let me know if you are interested in speaking with us, and if you are, what is the best way to contact you (email or phone) and I can provide you with additional details regarding our research. If you are not yet ready to share that story, I’d definitely understand and wish you and your family all the best.
I will also be posting this in other similar blogs, but if you know of other melanoma patients that would be willing to help us with this important research, please feel free to provide some contact information and I will reach out the them.
Thank you and god bless.
-Dianna
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI have a quick question about your blog, would you mind emailing me when you get a chance?
Cameron