A Different Path
Guest
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Ashburn, VA
Posts: 30,196
A Different Path
My life will be taking a different turn from now on.
I’ve suspected since the end of May, but yesterday I found out for sure: I have late stage incurable and untreatable cancer, and they give me from two to nine months to live—max a year.
I had eye cancer (ocular melanoma) in 2010. The tumor in my eye got radiation and was killed; but a few cells must have survived undetected in my blood, because now the melanoma has metastasized to my liver.
I had an abdominal CT scan last November, and my liver was clear; by May there were two large tumors.
More in a few minutes.
I’ve suspected since the end of May, but yesterday I found out for sure: I have late stage incurable and untreatable cancer, and they give me from two to nine months to live—max a year.
I had eye cancer (ocular melanoma) in 2010. The tumor in my eye got radiation and was killed; but a few cells must have survived undetected in my blood, because now the melanoma has metastasized to my liver.
I had an abdominal CT scan last November, and my liver was clear; by May there were two large tumors.
More in a few minutes.
Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Florida., USA
Posts: 3,252
I'm so sorry Gilmer. Can you participate in a clinical trial? My brother-in-law passed away from melanoma 7 years ago. My sister often remarks that she wishes her husband had the opportunity to use the treatments that are available today. Is there any family member or close friend who can be a health advocate and help you along with this? My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Guest
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Ashburn, VA
Posts: 30,196
Thank you guys very much.
I’ve looked into available clinical trials, Rar. There was nothing for ocular melanoma (more hopeless and stubborn than skin melanoma) on my oncologist’s website, so I checked a link for the government website.
There was only one clinical trial dedicated to ocular melanoma within 100 miles, and it was for a cocktail of three different kinds of chemo. One of them has already been tried and proved to be ineffective.
The goal of the trial was to see if people with the cocktail lived any longer than those without; they were hoping for nothing more ambitious than two years, if that—but realistically were expecting one or two months more.
The other two drugs in the cocktail have side effects—and if I do only have a few good months left, I don’t want to ruin them with unpleasant side effects that probably wouldn’t ultimately do any good.
I will keep searching, though, for my family’s sake if not my own.
I’ve looked into available clinical trials, Rar. There was nothing for ocular melanoma (more hopeless and stubborn than skin melanoma) on my oncologist’s website, so I checked a link for the government website.
There was only one clinical trial dedicated to ocular melanoma within 100 miles, and it was for a cocktail of three different kinds of chemo. One of them has already been tried and proved to be ineffective.
The goal of the trial was to see if people with the cocktail lived any longer than those without; they were hoping for nothing more ambitious than two years, if that—but realistically were expecting one or two months more.
The other two drugs in the cocktail have side effects—and if I do only have a few good months left, I don’t want to ruin them with unpleasant side effects that probably wouldn’t ultimately do any good.
I will keep searching, though, for my family’s sake if not my own.
Ocean Lover!
Join Date: Apr 2018
Location: You know nothing Jon Snow - UK
Posts: 2,604
There are no words, Gilmer. I am so sorry to hear this, you are a shining light in the dark path that I have been travelling always guiding me in the right direction. Be kind to yourself and I will keep you in my thoughts during my meditation each morning and pray for you. xx
Member
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: East Coast USA
Posts: 120,870
Gilmer; I am so very, very sorry. I can’t begin to tell you how very much you mean to me. We have never met but I have been incredibly blessed by your friendship and support.
My heart breaks.
You are in my daily prayers; you will now be in so many more.
I love you.
My heart breaks.
You are in my daily prayers; you will now be in so many more.
I love you.
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