Author Archives: jcr204

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 showedContinue reading “Brief update after 6 weeks”

We are a little overdue for an update, but it has been nice to just do regular life for a couple of weeks. Since Jeff got cleared to come home a couple of days early, we have enjoyed being back home together with the kids. This past week Jeff went back to MSK for hisContinue reading “Early results from TIL Treatment…So far so good?!?!”

Thanks to Arianna for keeping this blog up and running while I was feeling bad in the hospital, and announcing my escape last week. She stayed with me until Thursday, when Greg arrived. For three days Greg and I walked all over the borough, and even into Brooklyn. I feel energized by the ability toContinue reading “Playing Tourist and Goodish News?”

After several days of recovery, I’m about 95% improved from where I was this past weekend. The last 5% deficit may be because I can’t leave this floor, and the edges are rounded off by the endless amount of “preparatory” Tylenol they have me on. At least I have a view! I received my “TIL”Continue reading “TIL with a View”

Hello everyone! Below is an update for those interested in some of the details of my melanoma trial. After a long wait and much preparation, tomorrow Arianna and I will be heading up to the Memorial Sloan Kettering hospital in Manhattan (1275 York Avenue). I’ll be admitted to the hospital on the 19th, and willContinue reading “Trial Update….Watching the clock”

Family and Friends – it has been almost three years since we’ve sent out any formal information on my struggle with melanoma.  As discussed in earlier posts, in 2019 I was diagnosed with Stage 3, and was starting immunotherapy. During 2020 and most of 2021 I had a fairly long and wonderful period of timeContinue reading “Long Overdue, Newsworthy Update!!”

Last week Jeff visited three oncologists at different institutions in order to get multiple opinions on treatments. Based on these meetings, two out of three doctors recommend starting immunotherapy due to a 30% risk of recurrence, while the other recommended monitoring with scans and frequent blood/skin checks. Our decision on whether to use immunotherapy hadContinue reading “Treatment decisions”

Hello Friends and Family, On December 4, 2019 (his 37th birthday) Jeff was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer after a visit to the dermatologist for an irregular mole. On December 20 he had surgery to excise the melanoma and area around it, and remove the sentinel lymph nodes. Surgery went well and as of JanuaryContinue reading “From diagnosis to today”