Just checkin in after being gone so long

[JDinNC]

It's been soon long since visiting here.

Besides having colon cancer, my melanoma diagnosed went from stage 2 to stage 4 in June 2016. I started an immunotherapy treatment which was going well until the third treatment. One morning I woke being hit with the most severe side effects being on Yervoy. I developed ulcerated colitis, diarrhea, fatigue, headache and a rashes. The diarrhea was so bad I went from 130 lbs to 105 in a month. I was so weak I couldn't walk or even hold my head up and my blood pressure was in the 80 range. My oncologist nurses was just treating me for the diarrhea but it was my primary doctor who couldn't believe I was still alive with such a low blood pressure. She sent me straight from the doctor office to the hospital.

In September, I spent 17 days there receiving transfusion of protein and fats, a colonoscopy showed I had ulcer colitis, had blood transfusions which they thought was causing a low fever only to discover my port had three bacteria. So they had to remove it and start treatment for that. They took so many blood samples my veins give out in my left arms and my right arm wasn't doing much better.

I would never wish what I went through during my recovery on anyone. It was a long journey getting my bowels back to a functioning order but I'm happy to say all is normal now. I don't know what other options I have if my melanoma returns but I'll face it when that time comes. I'm just happy to say that I'm colon cancer free so far. In July, I'll have a scan to see if it I made my four year mark.

I have visited the forum a few times over the last six months. There's a lot of new faces but sad to see that many of our older ones that have passed on and will be dearly missed.

Jan

[DarknessEmbraced]

I'm sorry you've been through so much!*hugs* I hope both your melanoma and colon cancer don't return!*hugs* I'm glad your bowels are functioning well!*hugs*

[JudeD59]

Jan,

Sorry you've had such an awful time but I'm glad you stopped back to check in. Good to hear that your bowel function is normal and you remain NED.

This board is a wonderful place to find support and information, but it is very hard to come on and find out friends have lost the battle. Sometimes I have to step back and take a break from the board, too.

Take care of yourself,

Judy

[TXLiz]

Thank you for sharing your experience.

Everyday is a victory. Best wishes to you.

[kiwiinoz]

Jan,
I was just thinking of you last week and wondering how both your melanoma and your CC were.
I am extremely pleased to hear that you are still NED from your CC, and that despite the 6 months of difficulties you faced from the chemo for the meanoma, that you are coming out of that and facing a new spring and summer NED.
Keep renovating
Kiwi

[JDinNC]

Kiwi,

It's so good to hear from you. I've thought of you often hoping that you're still NED. I know you don't post much so I hope it meant you're busy enjoying life. I'm staying positive, just living day by day and not worry about the what if's. My four years will be in July, my colon oncologist is feeling positive since I've had no recurrence. It's the melanoma that scares the crap out of me...as it will spread anywhere. Plus there's no blood test to see if there's any new developments. I'm now on a three month check up with my dermatologist instead of 6 months since obvious that plan didn't work.

Best to you,

Jan