Melanoma Stage 4

katies brain surgery,29 year old with stage 4 melanoma. started as a mole on her arm in 2006. two years later,in 2008, just two weeks after she has her second baby, there was a lump in her armpit the size of a pingpong ball. She had lymph nodes removed from her armpit, two weeks later had to have the same surgery. Finding out that the previous surgery was done wrong and left cancer lymph nodes in her armpit. One clinic trial later, travailing 300+ miles away from home and her children, it spread to the lungs with two tumors in the right lung. After, having the surgery and the hardest recovery of 3 months, she finally felt she was over the biggest hurdel of all.....but not so, just 4 months later, the cancer spread again. 4 weeks before Christmas, she was sent to the ER with horrible headaches, finding another tumor in her brain. Couple days later she was thrown into another surgery,not knowing if she would wake up being the same person she was before....recovery was easy compared to the others...went home the very next morning with headaches and feeeling great! But again the cancer haunting her, two weeks later had another surgery to remove an ovary. This tumor was 8cm, causing her to look as if she was 4 months pregnant. It was pushing so much on my other organs causing pain and discomfort. Recovery was okay, couldnt sit up by myself, they had cut through her belly button. Made it home in time for Christmas though, was so happy to be with family!! Scans done in January showed over 100 spots (took a trip to Disneyland, doctors orders), the doctors were trying to turn her weeks into months at this point. The time had come where, it was close to saying goodbye. Started new chemo that has shown many tumors shrinking in size. 10+ rounds of chemo and 3 rounds of radiation...she is still alive today and continues to fight everyday of her life!!! NEVER give up hope!!!

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• melanoma
• Brain Surgery
• stage4
• mayo
• katie
• ipilimumab
• ipi
• interferon
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• dentist
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• touhou

[R028016]

Hey everyone! Its Katie, im doing really well now. Its been over 3 months without any reoccurances. For the most part im a regular mom again with sone down days here and there. Im due for a scan soon and will hope that i still dont have any tumors....keep fighting everyone and dont give up even if its your friend or family memeber fighting, loge and support goes a long way! IM SO GRATEFUL for my husband and kids and family without them id be gone, but im still here!, still fighting!!

[R028016]

This drug Ipilimumab, has made my life, livable again!

Yervoy is antibody that blocks a molecule known as cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen or CTLA-4, slows down or turning off the body’s immune system, affecting its ability to fight off cancerous cells.ithe drug allows the body’s immune system to recognize, target, and attack cells in melanoma tumors. The drug is administered intravenously.

ipilimumab nine of 15 patients continued to benefit from the therapy for at least two yrs.

[R028016]

Thanks for the support, I finished a round of Ipilumumeb (mild side effects) about 4 months ago, it has just been approved by the FDA.....PLEASE PLEASE anyone who has a loved one struggling with Melanoma should ask their oncologist for this drug. I have been fighting so hard to survive since 2006 and I have to say that since this drug, my life has improved dramatically. 3 tumors in my body since last scan and I have not had any ER runs since then! scans are soon, to find out where I stand now!

[R028016]

Enya "not sure on the name of the album" cover of the cd is green :)

Katie

[pe3niania]

I WILL PRAY FOR YOU MY LOVE 

[cantfeelbetter17]

i have a doc appt tomorrow for my mole..

[Ondelendo]

I am very happy to see the vidoe after you give this started as a mole on her arm in 2006. two years later,in 2008, just two weeks after she has her second baby, there was a lump in her armpit the size of a pingpong ball.

[bebeheuy]

Good, I like that you share this video katies brain surgery,29 year old with stage 4 melanoma. started as a mole on her arm in 2006, I wish success always

[AntoMelta]

Nice Video katies brain surgery,29 year old with stage 4 melanoma. started as a mole on her arm in 2006 That You Share , So Very Nice Thanks You

[willamricard]

I Really Like The Video From Your just two weeks after she has her second baby, there was a lump in her armpit the size of a pingpong ball

[imegatrone]

Your Video Is Very Useful Sharing just two weeks after she has her second baby, there was a lump in her armpit the size of a pingpong ball.

[powabiatch]

I am a cancer researcher who has worked with ipi in the lab only. This is so amazing to see it in action in the clinic! Keep being strong, you are an inspiration!

[kelaltieri]

@R028016 Good for you!! Keep it up! xoxo