Thursday, October 4, 2007

I like negative results.

I just talked to the nurse at the Dr. office, they said everything looks negative, except some cysts in my liver (which she said is nothing to worry about). This is what we expected, and we will set up a surgery date for next week most likely.

I will let you know.

19 comments:

Jon Paul said...

Huge sigh of relief from these parts. I only wish there were more results like these in the world!

Brittany said...

I've never felt so positive about hearing 'negative.'

By the way, a woman in my ward asked me who the pretty woman was that was holding my baby during Sacrament Meeting last week. "Just my amazing and gorgeous sister-in-law, Alisa."

mamabear said...

We like negative results also.

Paul said...

Negative is usually bad...but this time I love negative!

Jewel said...

Alisa,
I am so happy!!!!!!! Heavenly Father knows all of us need you for lots longer, especially your boys.
I hope you celebrate as a family tonight. I know you will.

momila said...

Well If you wnat negative anywhere in your body it is in your LIVER, trust me on that!! Good lUck on the surgery--& give us a call anytime--truct me, we enever go anywhere.

jennie said...

Hooray for some good news!!! It's about time! Let's keep it coming! BTW... my house is under contract. YIPPEE!

Leah said...

That's fantastic news! You've made my day!

Alisa said...

Okay, there is some confusion about the surgery. Basically the first doctor I talked to told me about this clinical trial, to find out if removing more than just the sentinel lymph nodes even improves your outcome. The hypothesis is no. I felt good about that till I talked to my other Dr. who advised me to have them out, that 'you have too much to live for.' I then felt good about that. So, the reality is, as long as I still qualify for the study I will sign up, and then if they tell me I was chosen not to get them out I will probably drop the study and have the surgery any way. I want the be in the study because you are monitored really close, but I guess we will see.
They think that there would not be any cancer in the other lymph nodes because of the small amount they found in the sentinel ones. I don't know, I guess Ill see what group I fall into and take it from there. Everyone says Ill know what to do.
Then after the surgery they follow up with Interferon. Even though they didn't find more tumors in my body there can be cancer floating around (which my body will try to attack on its own) that they try to kill with this drug. The reports on the drug aren't the most promising thing (like if you don't take it its 57% chance of it coming back in the first few years or something, compared to 49% if you do take it) but the Dr. says for the small amount I had he thinks it will be more effective. Thats why I get a 50% chance (or he said maybe even better) instead of 20% to beat it. Chemo and radiation really aren't effective against melanoma, which is one reason its a bad cancer. I'm not asking for a good cancer.
So if you survive the first 5 years you are pretty much (but not certainly) home free (Sonja, thats why I asked for 5 more years, kind of tricky hu?). It comes back quickly (longer if your on interferon) in bad places, like your liver, brain, or lungs. The Dr. says you are feeling great and then your suddenly sick and dying. End stage melanoma you have about 1.8 months to live.

But I'm not there, and I'm not going to get there.

Matt said...

Three cheers for negative scans, hip hip -

Sonja said...

I'm happy about your results and I hope you get in the right side of the study so you can have lots of scans. (hopefully with similar results) When will you know about the study?

Kari said...

Stop being so pessimistic, everyone!

Brenda said...

Alisa-You don't know me. I'm an old friend of Ashly McDaniels. She told me your story and I've been checking/stalking your blog for sometime now. I just wanted to say that you are amazing and truly inspirational. Keep up the good fight and know that you're in my families prayers as well.

AnneMarie said...

Go, fight, win, Alisa. I'm so happy for you.

Markemilius said...

-HOORAY!!

Lisa Mc said...

Alisa-
We've been out of town, and I'm so glad to come back to good news for you. Heavenly Father is answering our prayers for you one step at a time. I sometimes feel like an intruder reading your thoughts, but it also helps me get to know you even better. It is a joy to be your friend and neighbor. We continue to pray each day for more miracles in your behalf. Remember that the McArthur's love you!

Bennett Family said...

You don't know me either...stumbled across your blog. I wanted you to know that even strangers are praying for you! My sister in law was diagnosed with cancer during her 27th week of pregnancy by my brother, a physician/radiologist. She had surgery to remove a tomor the size of a banana out of her calf. They also removed 1/2 of both bones in her leg and most of the muscle/tendon. The surgeon said she would never walk again. Not only does she walk, she is an avid exerciser and does not even have to wear a brace. A TRUE miracle! She also has a 50% chance of recurrance & her cancer is the type that will not respond to chemo or radiation. I just wanted to say that she is doing great and that those chances don't take the gospel and/or priesthood blessings into account! We have the Lord and the gospel on our side. Don't ever quit hoping and praying for a miracle. They happen every day!

The Wood Monkeys said...

Excellent news!!

Brooke said...

The east coast Lintons are cheering!