The latest update from the doctor regarding Jim's progress is the best news we've had in a LONG time. It was something I thought I'd heard last week but wasn't sure I understood what it meant. Basically, once Jim is off these meds (he's now only having to take 4 in the morning and 2 in the evening, aside from the insulin) he will NOT have to return to treatment. I know it seems crazy but after two rounds of the immunotherapy, they think (and I hope) that the cancer in his lungs has reduced to the point of them being barely there. So what does that mean in terms of how we proceed? Well, it means that we are back to getting scans every three months to see if things are growing and if we see them growing, we go back to immunotherapy (either the Opdivo or Keytruda). The nurse practitioner told us yesterday that they've had patients who have been in a similar situation as Jim and its been 10 years after diagnosis. That's nearly unheard of with metastatic melanoma! Lets hope Jim heads in that direction.
Additionally, the nurses were thrilled to see that Jim seems to be back to himself. There were several people, including the nurse practitioner who made mention of this. So crazy that these people who don't know Jim all that well noticed how his personality changed with all this shit these last few months. They even mentioned his voice is back to normal. That's been one of the most telling things...I could tell in just hearing Jim speak a couple words, how he was feeling that day. So happy to hear his dulcet tones again.
In terms of meds, we took out the cellcept as expected. Now, this is a slight risk because we went cold turkey stopping this med and it's what inhibits the T-cells. His whacked out T-cells are what caused all the problems with his liver. We'll keep an eye on Jim but we shouldn't have a major reaction in the week between yesterday and our next appointment. Fingers crossed.
So with all this good news Jim and I discussed planning a trip. Originally, if you will recall we were going to go to Scotland but with how things were going we decided it as too much of a risk. Then we were thinking a Boston trip in June (which is still a possibility) but then I was watching TV last night and the people in the show I was watching were in Vegas and I thought, "Hmm...that might be fun! Check out a show, go to a couple nice dinners, play some craps/blackjack at the casino (some...not a lot)." Jim seemed to be on board but here's the thing: I think it would be more fun going with another couple so he sent a text to his friend Dan to see if he would be game. We'll see how this all plays out but I did tell Jim we're not staying in some off-the-beaten-path hotel...I want to be on the strip. There are some Groupons for Vegas so we'll see. Plus I have a bunch of points on my 5/3 credit card to turn in so...I'll keep you updated.
Okay, guess I'd better get a move on. Cold out there today! Happy Wednesday...later!
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