Only time will tell if it's EZ

 April 26, 2023. Mesa, Arizona. 

Well, I start Immunotherapy at MD Anderson in Gilbert, AZ on Tuesday, May 3, 2023. Time will tell.

Quick Changes May Be EZ for Some

 April 24, 2023. Mesa, Arizona. 

Home from my pre-op appointments at MD Anderson. Glenda and I spent from 7:30am until 1:00pm at the hospital. I am not happy.

At the meeting with the radiation oncologist, we went over their procedures and discussed all the options there, but the doctor said that after reviewing my case with the immunology and surgery oncologists, his opinion was that radiation may be a adjunct to surgery--after surgery--but, depending on what they found, may not be needed at all--so no restraining mask preparation or practice sessions at this time.

I had my lab work drawn and my EKG done, then we had a nice light lunch in the cafe.

At the meeting with the surgeon (who is my case manager) he confirmed that surgery, for me, was agreed by their tumor board to be the first best action. We discussed all aspects for a half-hour or so. He answered questions for Glenda. We agreed to keep May fourth as the date for my surgery, with a 7:30am show time.

As he prepared to leave he decided to give my ear and the area around it a last cursory examination. After a quick look he got out a flashlight and gave it a second look at which point he said, "Oh, my." Then he got out his camera, took a couple pictures and sat back down. Verdict: my melanoma is being very aggressive and has visibly worsened in a few days. I knew that. He said that perhaps two months of immunotherapy prior to surgery would be prudent after all. I'm to leave the 4th on the calendar for surgery for now, but he's meeting with the immunologist this afternoon to discuss. So, again, we wait for a call

...but this now seems most likely: 8-12 weeks of immunology treatments followed by surgery, followed by reassessment at that time for adjuvent radiation therapy and then an additional year of immunology therapy regardless of yes or no on radiation. I shouldn't need a driver for immunology therapy, but I should have had one for the drive home today as I was not in a good mental state to be driving.

I missed an exit.

Twice. 

And it's back...

The melanoma in my right ear lobe is back. I noted a small, irritated lesion in early February. I called the triage nurse at MD Anderson. She conferred with medical staff and told me to see my dermatologist. It took a couple weeks to get an appointment with the dermatologist. By then, there were a number of small lesions on and around my right ear lobe. She said it didn't look like a cancer and prescribed a 10-day course of anti-viral and antibiotic medicines and a steroid cream for the ear. During that time it got continually worse. At first follow up with her, mid-March, she took a biopsy.

I got the results on Thursday, March 30, 2023. Positive for melanoma. By now, the entire ear is inflamed and there are at least 8 lesions on the external ear, plus I have a swollen, sore, red spot on my neck just below the ear. I have an appointment Monday, April 3 at MD Anderson for ultrasonic scan of the head and neck and evaluation by the clilnician. Ironically, this appointment was made in December, as a routine follow up to the surgery which removed melanoma tissue from my ear and three lymph glands in my neck after my October 28, 2022 melanoma diagnosis.

This is my fifth positive cancer diagnosis to date.

Thursday, April 6, 2023 I will go back to MD Anderson, this time for a repeat PSA test and CT scan to see how the possible reaccurence of prostate cancer is faring.

Oh, but the broken rib has apparently healed well -- no pain or problems in that area.

Stay tuned.