Oncology Update

Today was my first real oncology appointment, and for the first time since this diagnosis, I finally have something that resembles a plan.

The biggest thing I learned is that they are treating this with the goal of curing it. Right now, the melanoma is Stage III, with one known cancerous lymph node in my neck and no distant spread seen on the PET scan. I still need a brain MRI to complete staging, and the genetic testing on the tumor, including BRAF, is still pending.

The oncologist wants to move quickly. First, dermatology needs to urgently evaluate and likely biopsy the concerning lesion on my back, and a spot behind my right ear. After that, the current plan is to begin immunotherapy, most likely a single drug because of my rheumatoid arthritis. I would receive three treatments about three weeks apart before surgery. Then they will repeat the PET scan, look at how well the cancer responded, and use that information to help decide how extensive the lymph node surgery needs to be.

My rheumatoid arthritis makes immunotherapy more complicated because the treatment works by activating the immune system, while the medications I have been on for years worked by suppressing it. There is a real risk that treatment will cause a significant RA flare or other immune-related side effects, so they will be watching me very closely. For now, though, my oncologist believes I can safely proceed.

They also addressed the severe pain in my neck and changed my pain-management plan, which I am very grateful for after such a difficult weekend.

So there is still a lot I do not know, but I know substantially more than I did yesterday. There is a plan. There is a team talking to one another behind the scenes. Most importantly, there is a path forward that is being approached with curative intent.

The next couple of weeks will be full of appointments, scans, biopsies, treatment education, and hopefully my first immunotherapy infusion. That also means more transportation, parking, meals away from home, medication expenses, and a lot of disruption for Anwyn and our household. Any support, whether that means donating, sharing this page, helping with practical needs, or simply checking in, genuinely helps us keep our heads above water while I focus on getting through treatment.

Thank you to everyone who has shown up for us. I mean that more than I can adequately say. 💜