mbgreene
Well-known member
I have been on the fence about posting this, not being of the internet generation and not wanting to be a complete downer, but the positive feeling and influence of this community has just been stellar, and at this point I could use a bit of that vibe. The outpouring of support for Erin was incredible and hit me a bit more personally and emotionally than I thought it would.
Several months ago, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma. This stems from an ocular melanoma I was originally diagnosed with 18 years ago, and that I eventually lost my left eye to in 1993. I was part of a study for 10+years and had been clean for 16. Almost out of nowhere, I was then diagnosed with multiple tumors including in my liver; lymph nodes at my thyroid, lungs, chest and abdomen; my left hip, leg and arm bones, as well as my brain.
I’ve recently been through radiation treatment for the brain as well as three rounds of systemic chemo for the other mets. There have been encouraging results with some shrinkage of many of the tumors (including the brain) and nothing new. I’m scheduled for at least one more chemo before another set of scans and possible clinical trial. I am being treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering, which provides a world class cancer center.
And please let me say that I am OK, insured and have a great group of family and friends around for support. I am working on a modified schedule and my employer (18+ years) is doing right by me. I am not requesting anything but a positive thought, some good karma and, if you’re so inclined, a prayer. But I must warn you that my father-in-law’s cousin, Sr. Paracleta has an entire convent of Dominican nuns praying for me everyday, so there is a little competition there.
Just wish me luck,
Michael
Several months ago, I was diagnosed with Stage IV Metastatic Melanoma. This stems from an ocular melanoma I was originally diagnosed with 18 years ago, and that I eventually lost my left eye to in 1993. I was part of a study for 10+years and had been clean for 16. Almost out of nowhere, I was then diagnosed with multiple tumors including in my liver; lymph nodes at my thyroid, lungs, chest and abdomen; my left hip, leg and arm bones, as well as my brain.
I’ve recently been through radiation treatment for the brain as well as three rounds of systemic chemo for the other mets. There have been encouraging results with some shrinkage of many of the tumors (including the brain) and nothing new. I’m scheduled for at least one more chemo before another set of scans and possible clinical trial. I am being treated at Memorial Sloan Kettering, which provides a world class cancer center.
And please let me say that I am OK, insured and have a great group of family and friends around for support. I am working on a modified schedule and my employer (18+ years) is doing right by me. I am not requesting anything but a positive thought, some good karma and, if you’re so inclined, a prayer. But I must warn you that my father-in-law’s cousin, Sr. Paracleta has an entire convent of Dominican nuns praying for me everyday, so there is a little competition there.
Just wish me luck,
Michael
