scan results

I really don't want to admit it, but the tumor is growing.  This is what we saw yesterday.

Compare this to the pictures below.  It just looks nasty now.  The radiologist used the word "engulfing."

And so, we look for another treatment.  My first choice would be the Anti-PD1 drug that was just approved in last couple of months.  This is the drug I was getting on trial in Florida.  It was helping with this tumor.  It has been approved only for second line treatment.  Meaning the patient has to have tried IPI (Yervoy) and the Braf drugs before insurance will pay for it.  This is a serious blow.  I think I heard $15,000 a month, which just isn't feasible.  

So the plan is to start the BRAF drugs.  They are pills taken twice a day at home.  I will take two different kinds.  The response rate is 75%.  They work for an average of 6 months.  If we can shrink this bad boy enough we could take it out surgically.  If the BRAF drugs do not work we could then move onto the PD-1 drugs.  

I honestly believed yesterday morning that I was on my way to a cure.  This disappointment is one of my biggest yet.  I keep getting so close! 

As the insurance approval comes through I have a little time to make sure this is the right direction.  There are many side-effects to these drugs, one that seems universal is extreme photosensitivity.  Hoping to find a sunny spot to take the boys for a couple days before this all starts.  I'm sure to be back in the ring by then, but on the cloudy day I think I'll just try and pull myself together.  Roll with the punches, Alisa.