Brief update after 6 weeks

I visited New York again last week to get updated scans and check in with the trial oncologist. Prior to the visit I was hopeful that the TIL treatment was continuing to do its magic, and that I would continue to see regression of the melanoma. Luckily this was the case – the scans showed the brain tumors continued to get smaller, and the rest of my body was cancer free. My oncologist is very excited about my results. The trial only has space for 10 people, and I was the first to receive treatment. Unfortunately the second person didn’t respond to the treatment at all.

While I continue to be free from the Melanoma side effects, my immune system is still out of whack – I continue to take antibiotics and antivirals. Also, my hair has turned completely white, which is a rare but encouraging sign in melanoma immunotherapy (and a source of amusement for Oryn and Eloise). I’ll need to visit New York again at the end of May and early July. After that, if things continue to get better, I’ll only need to go every 3 months.

I don’t have much else to report. Once again, thanks for your support!