Ipilimumab, here we come.

Probably not much of a surprise to anyone who has been following up on our story, but we had to make our decision this morning and we chose the Ipi trial.  It wasn't an easy decision, especially after seeing the woman in the waiting room this morning who had just finished her one-month intense infusion of Interferon and looked really good.  But after talking with our oncologist and the clinical nurse, we really feel like we've made the best choice.  We heard some more information this morning that backs our belief that this trial is the right thing for us at this juncture.  It's also a comfort to know that if the melanoma returns at any point in this trial, I will be removed from the trial but still have VIP care from my new friends at the Cross, and that likely by then the FDA-approved version (smaller dose) of Ipilimumab will be available for me since I would be at stage 4. 

I had lots of bloodwork done today and my first ECG (which was remarkably fast and easy), and we have a CT scan to book as soon as I am done my antibiotics from the infection in my drain site that developed over Christmas.  Once the scan is done, I will be able to start the next day.  Scan will probably be done mid-late next week, so I guess that in two weeks we'll be starting the trial.  Pray that I will recieve the drug and not be in the placebo arm, and if I am in the placebo arm, pray that it's because I won't NEED the drug.  We obviously want NO RECURRENCE.

I appreciate having all of your support!  Our team is so big, and it is so calming to hear "We support you in whatever option you choose."  I can't imagine dealing with justifying our decision to people who love us but disagree with our choices.  So, thank you!

I just want to say that at this point, I'm almost excited to start building a relationship with the people who work at CCI.  Today they made a great impression with their personability and helpfulness.  This doesn't surprise me as I have only ever heard great things about this institute.

Jon and I treated ourselves on the way home today.  We were just going to get a coffee but when we drove past Montana's, Jon remembered that it's 1/2 off Wings Monday, so we stopped in and enjoyed one of our favourite "cheats".  We are starting a calorie restriction "diet" tomorrow - simply making sure that we really restrict our calories and get in lots of healthy, natural foods.  I am looking to eat 800-1200 calories per day, with two cheat meals per week if I want.  It's what I was doing this summer/fall when I lost 28 pounds before my first surgery, but I've gained some of that back, so it's time to start again.  Mom is game to join us so we'll see 1) how much weight our household can shed, and 2) if restricting calories can help boost my immune system to fight cancer even if I am stuck with the placebo. 

That's all for now.  Tomorrow morning I am back to the hospital for another dressing change, then Mom and I need to go shopping for a new microwave.  Ours *ahem* broke this morning.  Time to go get those boys.

Oh... funny moment  yesterday.  Owen wanted me to come play in his room.  I was to lie on his bed with the lights out.  He went out and shut the door, then popped his head back in and said the following:
"Good night, Mommy.  I love you.  You stay in bed or Owen will spank."

Nice.