Some of you probably know from Angel's Facebook post, but I got a call yesterday from Dr. Char's office saying that they had received the results of the molecular and genetic characterization of the tumor. Luckily, mine is considered a Class 1 tumor. Basically, this means that my tumor is less likely to metastasize than if it were a Class 2 tumor. This is very good news, because if it does spread, this type of cancer is very difficult to treat, and unfortunately the statistics are not very good. Despite this finding, I will still undergo continued full body scans and liver function panels, probably forever.
Angel and I had a silly, brief session last night to make fun of how weak and stupid my tumor is...it can't even do it's job right! That had us laughing for a little while. :)
I've recently joined a couple of online forums and email lists for people who have choroidal melanoma or have had it in the past. It's another great source of information and support, but there are also some sad stories. Some people on the list have not had the good news that I've had, and are struggling with a much tougher fight than I've dealt with. My thoughts are definitely going out to them.
I am Lesley(UK) from Ocumel- OM Dec 2006,(samll 2.2mm height, 7.9mm longest basal length) Proton Beam Jan 2007, macular oedema 2008 - 13 Avastin shots.
ReplyDeleteLiver spot May 2009 4mm,growth Aug 2009 Liver resection Sept 2009, Endopthalmitis, June 2010 folowing Avastin Liver mets July 2010 4mm Liver resection Aug 2010. Ioilimumab 3/9/2010 two infusion so far in the midsts of two grade 3 toxic reactions diarrhea and hepatoxicity, who knows what out come will be.
I find your blog fantastaic. So glad you are low risk. Heal up trust life again. We OM patients despearatley need folks to fight for our cause, too many of us say the same things again and again start to make changes then succumb to the disease, - once you and Angel have picked up life it would be awesome if you could help OMF fight for our cause. Believe it or not in the UK 2 out of 3 of the centres treating OM in the UK believe prognostic information should be withheld from UK patients!