Tuesday, March 13, 2012

!!!!

Guess what? It's working!!! Not only is there nothing in the brain (my biggest fear) but the tumors have either not grown (liver) or have disappeared (breast). There is the possibility of a few new small subcutaneous tumors we didn't pick up on earlier, but for the most part this is great news. The Dr. said about 30% of patients get to do the second cycle of IL-2, and I get to be one of those!

They are calling it stable disease. He wouldn't predict with me if I have a good chance of being a complete responder (having the IL-2 get rid of all the cancer for a 'durable response') but I'm already beating the odds.

What are we going to do to celebrate? The ocean is calling, and I have been putting it on hold for way too long. A quick trip to the coast before I go back to the hospital (Monday) sounds like just the thing.

I've got to run the kids to the dentist, I might be able to give more details later.
Posted by at

43 comments:

  1. JaniceMarch 13, 2012 at 12:04 PM

    Oh Alisa, I'm just sitting here crying tears of joy. Go to the ocean!

    ReplyDelete
  2. KellyMarch 13, 2012 at 12:05 PM

    So so happy I'm in tears! Way to beat the odds-Keep it up! Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Jon PaulMarch 13, 2012 at 12:07 PM

    Alisa, I am so incredibly happy to hear this. Thanks so much for sharing the news! Round 2...Fight! Enjoy the beach.

    ReplyDelete
  4. PaulMarch 13, 2012 at 12:33 PM

    The best news of the year by far! I never thought I would be excited about one of my children "getting" to go through more torture with that treatment, but I surely am.

    ReplyDelete
  5. LindsayMarch 13, 2012 at 12:33 PM

    Yeah!!!! This is wonderful news. We are so happy for you- go out and celebrate!!!!! Be on vacation as long as you can and enjoy your awesome family! We love you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. BrynnMarch 13, 2012 at 12:41 PM

    Yeah yeah yeah!!!!!!! So so happy!!! Best news!!!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Young FamilyMarch 13, 2012 at 12:51 PM

    Tears of joy! I am so happy. Have a wonderful trip with your sweet family. I love you girl!

    ReplyDelete
  8. LeahMarch 13, 2012 at 12:53 PM

    Hip Hip Horray! What wonderful news!!

    ReplyDelete
  9. DaijaMarch 13, 2012 at 12:57 PM

    So happy to hear such great news!

    ReplyDelete
  10. jennieMarch 13, 2012 at 1:09 PM

    Hot dang! I knew it.

    ReplyDelete
  11. SuzanneMarch 13, 2012 at 1:19 PM

    I am so happy i can't imagine all that you are going through but thanks for the honesty and lovely way you are handling it love Suzanne Campbell

    ReplyDelete
  12. NatalieMarch 13, 2012 at 1:29 PM

    This is such wonderful news! Have fun in the sunshine, Natalie Harris

    ReplyDelete
  13. KalleeMarch 13, 2012 at 1:36 PM

    I immediately burst into tears when I read this post...happy, grateful tears. I can't think of any better way to celebrate than enjoying yourself on a vacation. Love you guys!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Lindsay ErcanbrackMarch 13, 2012 at 1:40 PM

    If I knew how to do a back flip I'd be doing them in my kitchen right now! What good news. Enjoy every minute of your time away!

    ReplyDelete
  15. jennMarch 13, 2012 at 1:48 PM

    I am so happy to hear this! So happy!! I hope the ocean is wonderful. It was nice to see you for a minute the other day too, like I said then, I just think you are incredible. Thank you for the way in which you carry on in life. You are wonderful friend, just wonderful!

    ReplyDelete
  16. paulthatchMarch 13, 2012 at 1:54 PM

    Alisa,our little girls remember you in each of their prayers. They will be so excited (as we are) to hear the great news!

    ReplyDelete
  17. KathyMarch 13, 2012 at 2:07 PM

    Salt water and sunshine both healing agents and calling, enjoy, enjoy. This is a wonderful new day!

    ReplyDelete
  18. Jodi NelsonMarch 13, 2012 at 2:10 PM

    Alisa, that is just fantastic news. I am so so happy to hear this for you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    ~Jodi Nelson

    ReplyDelete
  19. MindiMarch 13, 2012 at 2:15 PM

    That is wonderful news, hooray!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Chandy ColtonMarch 13, 2012 at 2:18 PM

    Such GREAT NEWS!!!! I am SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  21. alisonMarch 13, 2012 at 2:36 PM

    Happy day! Your trash talk appears to be working! Have a great week!!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. GregandmarshabairdMarch 13, 2012 at 3:06 PM

    Tears of joy..if I could do a back flip right now i would.

    ReplyDelete
  23. Brandan & HaylieMarch 13, 2012 at 3:27 PM

    You must be one mean trash talker! This is great news! Enjoy YOUR ocean!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Bryanna JohnsonMarch 13, 2012 at 3:34 PM

    I'm so so happy to hear it, Alisa!

    ReplyDelete
  25. AshlyMarch 13, 2012 at 4:10 PM

    So glad the news is good! Hope you enjoy the ocean and sun and fresh air!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. Mike JMarch 13, 2012 at 4:24 PM

    Wahoo! Let's make this a trend.

    ReplyDelete
  27. JillMarch 13, 2012 at 4:29 PM

    This may be the best news I've ever heard! Have a wonderful time at the ocean!

    ReplyDelete
  28. AmyMarch 13, 2012 at 4:32 PM

    I am beyond happy about your great news! It's about time you got some. Enjoy the sun and the ocean.

    ReplyDelete
  29. JewelMarch 13, 2012 at 4:50 PM

    !!!!

    ReplyDelete
  30. NathanMarch 13, 2012 at 4:54 PM

    FREAKING OUT OVER HERE!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  31. KarieMarch 13, 2012 at 6:01 PM

    Happy Day! Enjoy the beach and every other wonderful day ahead!

    ReplyDelete
  32. TaraMarch 13, 2012 at 6:13 PM

    !!!!!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  33. JamieJoeMarch 13, 2012 at 7:41 PM

    I'm so excited for you! It has got to make the 2nd cycle a bit more tolerable knowing that's you're responding to it. Enjoy your trip, you deserve it to say the least!

    ReplyDelete
  34. JaciMarch 13, 2012 at 8:32 PM

    That's wonderful news!!!

    ReplyDelete
  35. Teri BenchMarch 13, 2012 at 9:25 PM

    So glad to hear! Way to go!!!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Natalie MaughanMarch 13, 2012 at 9:31 PM

    You told cancer you were going to 'take it down!' It should have listened!! Congrats and enjoy the beach!!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Debbie HadleyMarch 13, 2012 at 10:20 PM

    Hallelujah!!!! What wonderful news! Go enjoy the Ocean!!!

    ReplyDelete
  38. wendipooh13March 13, 2012 at 10:37 PM

    oh my gosh CONGRATS!!!! that is sooo exciting and great news, I am SOOO happy to hear that!!!

    ReplyDelete
  39. JenMarch 14, 2012 at 8:09 AM

    That is wonderful news! What a relief! Enjoy some peaceful days at the ocean!

    ReplyDelete
  40. DebbieMarch 14, 2012 at 8:32 AM

    What can I say that hasn't already been said? I say DITTO to all! PURE JOY!

    ReplyDelete
  41. LisaMarch 14, 2012 at 8:51 AM

    Alisa, I was introduced to your blog through one of your high school friends. I, too, am Stage IV with melanoma and just yesterday, I was told all about the latest plan for surgery, IP-2, and Ipi. I'm scared. I hate cancer. I've survived a year and I want to do 1000 more. This is my "Goliath" and I sling those rocks every hour of every day. You have given me insights as I make my decisions. Thanks for the inspiration. Enjoy the beach! It sounds delightful. Fight on, sister! I'm at fightingmygoliath.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  42. MomilaMarch 14, 2012 at 8:52 AM

    Good news Alisa..and "running the kids to the dentist"..life's most boring tasks are so sweet, aren't they?

    ReplyDelete
  43. CamilleMarch 14, 2012 at 2:41 PM

    Alisa, I'm so relieved and happy for you. What a wonderful miracle that it's working! Enjoy every second at the ocean.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)