My last PET/CT scan happened on Monday, April 9. My radiation oncologist, Dr. Bader, offered to go over my scans immediately after getting them, but Maggie and I found ourselves in a position of wanting to know and not wanting to know, so we let 24 hours pass before I took a look at the scans myself. I had been feeling a bit more discomfort in the liver area in the previous week, so I was prepared to see worsening. I'm no radiologist, but seeing less black in the liver area and no new areas of uptake seemed to me like good news. Dr. Bader confirmed a positive response and added that the large liver tumor was showing a dramatic improvement for this early in treatment, even in areas that had not had radiation - strongly suggesting that I was responding to IL-2!. On Thursday my medical oncologist, Dr. Smith, said of the response "This is what I live for!", and gave me one of his rare smiles.
Part of my delay in writing this post relates to feeling totally inadequate to express my gratitude to all of you for the outpouring of love and support I have felt from you. I am pleased to report that your good wishes, prayers, cards, emails, visits, flowers, books, movies, music, and other expressions of love have totally overwhelmed my pessimism about the possibility of a good outcome to this.
The next step is to complete the remaining 4 IL-2 treatments. Each involves a week in the hospital with 2-4 weeks between treatments for recovery. The treatments have been pretty unpleasant, but knowing they are effective should make them easier to tolerate. With metastatic melanoma, one does not generally speak in terms of a cure, rather one hopes for a "long-term response", and the possibility of more effective and less toxic treatments in the future. None of us knows how much life we have left, but I seem to have been granted a reprive. Knowing that we have a community that is capable of incredible support in good times and bad is the best possible antidote to mortality. Thankyou! -Kerry
We love you Mr. and Mrs. O'Conahan and sons. Keep on playing and thriving.
ReplyDeleteHug that banjo!
ReplyDeleteI doubt that Maggie remembers, but when I was 20 I spent five days in the hospital having tests to see if I had a brain tumor (or adrenal failure, or a lot of unpleasant possibilities) and when considering what I'd miss if I died then, I realized one "normal" lifespan just isn't enough. I would have needed at least one just to learn the musical instruments I wanted to study!
Mary Anne in Kentucky, in your corner
I'm so happy to read this news. Thinking of you guys every day!!
ReplyDeleteOh, I was so glad to hear the news that your body was responding to the treatments, and equally happy to read your account of everything above! Hallelujah :) You come from good stock, Uncle Kerry! I'll be praying your spirits stay high in the days and weeks to come. We're all behind you 100%
ReplyDeleteMuch love!!!
Cathy
Kerry,
ReplyDeleteI have to apologize in not writing sooner. I just found out that you were out of the office...and then found out what you are going through. I can say unequivocally that what you are going through and have experience is about 10 on the scale.
First let me say thank you for your support when I was going through some really rough times. You have incredible patience, kindness and know exactly what to say to make someone feel emotionally better. I am starting to do better...am seeing a Naturopath here in the Seattle area and that seems to be helping me a lot.
Now for you...I understand how hard it is to be "laid out" flat and not have the ability to do the things you used to do...but knowing what little I do of you, you have a magnificent attitude and a great spirit. That being said, I couldn't imagine any other diagnosis for you except getting better. And by what I see, you are. No doubt in my mind that you will be back in the office doing what you do best, helping people get better. You are a very selfless person. God smiles on you, my friend. Blessings to you and your family. I am looking forward to seeing your smiling face and calmness that always emanates from you.
Take care, Kerry. You are a special person and an outstanding doctor. And I must say thank you again for being there for me. I am saying prayers for you and just know you will be fine.
Laura Bell
Thanks for the update, Kerry, and we are overjoyed to hear it is such good news! Never again will I doubt the healing powers of banjo music. It was good to see you & the fam at spring break. We'll be thinking of you as you begin the next round of treatment, and looking forward to more positive news. All our love, Leslie & Nate Kowash and boys
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