October 20, 2026 — First Cancer Treatment: DONE! 💜

Well, today was the day! After nearly a month of tests, scans, biopsies, consultations, and more waiting than I care to think about, I finally started treatment for my Stage IIIB metastatic melanoma.

My mom accompanied me to the Masonic Cancer Center for my second oncology appointment and first Keytruda infusion. We started around 12:45 with lab work, met with a melanoma specialist to review my treatment plan, and had an interesting new blood test called Signatera. This test looks for traces of cancer DNA in my bloodstream and will help my doctors monitor my response to treatment and watch for possible recurrence down the road.

Then came the Keytruda! The actual infusion took about ELEVEN minutes. After years of lengthy Remicade infusions for rheumatoid arthritis, I was almost suspicious of how quickly it was over! 😂 So far, I'm doing okay, although I know it's much too early to tell what side effects might show up.

The plan is three treatments, spaced three weeks apart, followed by surgery and additional immunotherapy, for approximately a year of treatment altogether. I meet with my surgical oncologist this Friday to learn more about what comes next. The goal is still to cure this cancer, and I am very grateful for that.

Today also reminded me how much the little acts of help matter. Dylan drove us to the hospital, Mom kept me company and laughing through a day that could have been pretty frightening, and Rin even took care of my laundry while I was gone. Mom and I have a habit of laughing when we're probably supposed to be behaving ourselves, and today was no exception. Sometimes laughter is exactly what the situation calls for.

I'm home now, tired from the anticipation and excitement of it all, but relieved to have this first treatment behind me.

As treatment gets underway, the everyday responsibilities of keeping our household running don't stop. There are still groceries to buy, meals to prepare, appointments to get to, and an 11-year-old who needs her mom. With my existing chronic illnesses, increasing fatigue, pain, and the uncertainty of how immunotherapy will affect me, even ordinary tasks can be a challenge.

That's why the kindness and practical support we've received mean so much. Whether it's a contribution, sharing our page, helping with a task, or simply checking in, it makes a difference in our lives. Thank you to everyone who has found a way to be part of this with us.

One treatment down. I'm officially on my way. 💜